ABSTRACT
The efficiency of the organic crop rotation concerning the prevalence of foot rots is at least equivalent to that of the conventional chemical input. One of the most important diseases in conventional agriculture, the powdery mildew, is of minor importance in organic farming systems with regard to winter cereals. Spreading of fungal pathogens consequently should lead to spike infections and seed-borne diseases. Field trials on two biodynamic and two conventionally cultivated sites were performed to find out the system-determined influence on fungal diseases on winter wheat seeds. Organic farming systems are characterized by the renunciation of all chemical plant protection and synthetically produced fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers. Seed size proved to be one of the main factors determining seed quality. Using large seeds resulted in increased emergence percentages and larger seedlings. Second-generation seed or additionally bought certified seed, grown on conventional farms, without seed dressing were sampled from organic farms.
