The pathogens causing Septoria blotch in soft wheat are the fungi Zymoseptoria tritici, which primarily affects leaves, and Parastagonospora nodorum, which causes lesions on leaves, stems, and spikes. The infection progresses through a prolonged asymptomatic phase, followed by the development of light green to brown spots on the affected tissues. A key diagnostic sign of the disease is the appearance of pycnidia — small black fruiting bodies in the center of the spots.
Genetic resistance of the crop to Septoria blotch is based on the system of Stb genes, such as Stb2, Stb4, Stb6, Stb9, Stb11, and Stb13, which provide juvenile or adult-plant resistance. In breeding programs, the pyramiding of multiple Stb genes is practiced to increase the durability of protection. In the context of interaction with P. nodorum, the sensitivity gene Tsn1 also plays an important role, determining plant susceptibility through interaction with the fungus's necrotrophic effectors.