Fusarium graminearum
Fusarium Head Blight
Fusarium head blight is caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. This seed-borne disease effects multiple grain crops, including wheat and barley. The fungus itself causes reduced seed quality, but can also cause the production of mycotoxin (toxic compounds produced by molds). The presence of the mycotoxin can influence the ability of the grain to be used a livestock feed, or for milling and malting (for wheat and barley respectively).
Fusarium head blight can cause great economic losses.
Fusarium was de-listed as a pest under the Agricultural Pests Act in 2020. However, prevention and control of head blight is still important. Best management practice outlined in the Alberta Fusarium Management Plan include:
- Crop rotation
- Variety selection
- Using clean seed
- Seed treatment
- Increasing seeding rate, and
- Staggering planting dates between fields
For more information, visit:
https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-fusarium-graminearum-management-plan