The effect of hulls on Alternaria spp. infection of spelt wheat kernels and impact of level of infestation on length and weight of spikes

Abstract

There is a growing interest in spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta L.) due to its low input requirements and valuable nutritional properties. Compared to common wheat, spelt might be more resistant to fungal diseases and perform better in ecologically friendly farming systems. Genus Alternaria includes pathogenic and saprophytic species causing economic losses in food production. Many Alternaria spp. are allergens and mycotoxin producers harmful for human and animal health. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of hulls in protection of spelt kernel against penetration of Alternaria spp. Additionally, impact of Alternaria spp. infestation on length and weight of spike was assessed. Field experiment was carried out in the 2010/2011 season in the region of Vojvodina on three spelt wheat genotypes. Inoculation was performed with an aqueous suspension of A.alternata conidia and two isolates of A.tenuissima obtained from 14-day old cultures grown on a PDA medium. Spikes treated with fungicide and distilled water treatments were used as two control objects. It was found a significant difference of infection level between hulled (92.3-96.6%) and dehulled (23.3-88.0%) spelt samples, with exception of A.alternata treatment. Yield components, length of spike and weight of spike have shown significant difference between fungicide treatment (16.2 cm; 1.82g) and infected kernels by Alternaria spp. (10.7cm; 1.03g) respectively. According to obtained results it could be concluded that hulls protect spelt kernels against fungal colonization and therefore increase the eligibility of spelt wheat under unfavorable conditions.