Fusarium Head Blight Winter Wheat, Spring Wheat, Barley and Durum
Dr. Paul R. Bullock, Manasah Mkhabela –University of Manitoba
To develop models for a more accurate prediction of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in wheat, barley and durum under weather conditions that prevail on the Prairies
The research trial is in its first year and progress report will be made available upon completion of the analysis by the collaborators.
Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), also known as head scab, is a devastating disease of wheat, barley and durum with a worldwide distribution especially in areas where weather conditions are warm and humid. The fungal disease is capable of causing significant losses in grain yield, test weight and seed germination. In addition to losses in grain yield, fusarium species produce mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in suitable environments, which compromise grain quality as well as the lives of humans and livestock (Prandini et al. 2008). There are various prediction models currently in place but more accurate and specific ones are essential, especially for varying Prairie weather conditions. These tools are essential in assisting producers with estimates of FHB risk levels and develop plans to curb the disease either through timing of fungicide sprays or timing of planting. Some of the available models that are currently in use include; the Penn State and the Ontario DonCast models. Because of their specificity to their place of origin, very few models have been adapted to other regions that experience varying weather conditions (Giroux et al. 2016), hence the need to develop or modify existing models to suit Prairie environmental conditions. Given the severe losses in production and quality caused by the FHB, the ability to accurately predict its occurrence will play a significant role in reducing year to year risk for producers. Therefore, modification of the already available models would be essential for accurate prediction of FHB based on weather conditions on the Prairies.