Effect of chloride fertilizers and lime on wheat grain yield and take-all disease

One experiment was initiated in the fall of 1991 to evaluate the effect of chloride (Cl) fertilizers on the suppression of take-all disease (Gaeumanno myces graminis var, tritici Walker) in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Preplant and topdress rates of potassium chloride (KCI) and calcium chlori de (CaCl2) (0, 34, 67 and 101 kg Cl ha(-1)) were applied each year. In 1995 , plots were split in half whereby one half received 2.24 Mg of 76% ECCE li me ha(-1) to elevate the pH and potentially increase disease incidence. Whe at grain yield was not affected by lime applications in any year (1995-1999 ). Plots exhibited visual symptoms of take-all in almost all years, however , grain yields increased in only two of eight years by the application of C aCl2 and KCl. Applied fertilizer Cl for take-all disease suppression was in consistent, even following the application of lime where increased soil pH can increase disease severity.