Authors
Kris Audenaert, Sofie Landschoot, Adriaan Vanheule, Willem Waegeman, Bernard De Baets, Geert Haesaert
Publication date
2011/12/16
Journal
Fungicides-Beneficial and Harmful Aspects
Pages
79-98
Publisher
IntechOpen
Description
Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is one of the most important diseases in wheat, caused by a complex of up to 17 Fusarium species. The main causal agents of FHB in Europe are Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium poae and Microdochium nivale (Audenaert et al. 2009; Brennan et al. 2003; Leonard & Bushnell 2003; Mudge et al. 2006; Parry et al. 1995). There is extensive work on the effect of FHB on grain yields of cereals. For example, in breeding programs aiming to generate resistant cultivars, yield losses have been observed ranging from 6 up to 74%(Snijders 1990; Snijders & Perkowski 1990). Symptoms of Fusarium occur just after anthesis. The partly white and partly green heads are diagnostic for the disease in wheat (Figure 1C). The fungus also may infect the peduncle immediately below the head, causing a brown/purplish discoloration of the stem tissue. Additional indications of FHB infection are pink to salmon-orange spore masses of the fungus often seen on the infected spikelets and glumes. Infected kernels are shriveled, lightweight and dull grayish or pinkish. These kernels sometimes are called" tomb-stones" because of their chalky, lifeless appearance. If infection occurs late in kernel development, Fusarium-infected kernels may be normal in size, but have a dull appearance or a pink discoloration.
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