The control of the main pathogens of cereals by fungicide sprays is reviewed, with reference to several new and promising fungicides. New fungicide mixtures are also available to replace mercury as a seed treatment. The risks of fungicide resistance are briefly considered. One side‐effect of fungicide use may be in influencing the incidence of minor pathogens, possibly through interaction with the phylloplane microflora. Fungicide use in cereals should be determined by systems of fungicide management currently being developed.