Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu
Wheat is rapidly turning but scab is widespread in the state. We did not dodge the bullet unfortunately. Levels of scab really vary depending on the flowering time of the wheat and whether it corresponded with favorable weather for infection. We can expect lower yields and test weights were scab is heavy.
The first symptoms of Fusarium head blight include a tan or brown discoloration at the base of a floret within the spikelets of the head. As the infection progresses, the diseased spikelets become light tan or bleached in appearance. The infection may be limited to one spikelet, but if the fungus invades the rachis the entire head may develop symptoms of the disease. The base of the infected spikelets and portions of the rachis often develop a dark brown color. When weather conditions have been favorable for pathogen reproduction, the fungus may produce small orange clusters of spores or black reproductive structures called perithecia on the surface of the glumes. Infected kernels are often shriveled, white, and chalky in appearance. In some cases, the diseased kernels may develop a red or pink discoloration.
Grain produced in heads damaged by Fusarium head blight is often shriveled, white, and chalky in appearance.
Fusarium graminearum is known to produce two important mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone, which can contaminate the diseased grain. The mycotoxin DON can cause reduced feed intake and lower weight gain in animals at levels as low as 1-3 ppm, especially in swine. Vomiting and feed refusal can occur when levels of DON exceed 10 ppm. Humans are also sensitive to DON, and the FDA has recommended that DON levels not exceed 1 ppm in human food. Ruminant animals, including dairy cows and beef cattle, are less sensitive to the toxin. The fungal toxin zearalenone has estrogenic properties and produces many reproductive disorders in animals. Swine are the most sensitive to the toxin, but cattle and sheep may also be affected. Zearalenone concentrations of 1-5 ppm can result in negative effects in animals and humans. Producers concerned about these mycotoxins should have grain tested prior to feeding to animals. Contact the state or local extension office for more information about testing for mycotoxins.
When high levels of Fusarium head blight are present in fields, precautions can be taken to reduce mycotoxin contaminations of the grain. The mycotoxin contamination is often highest in the severely diseased kernels. Adjusting the combine to blow out the small, shriveled kernels can help reduce mycotoxin levels. Harvested grain should be dried to 13.5 percent moisture as soon as possible to limit continued fungal growth. Grain suspected to have been damaged by Fusarium head blight should be tested for DON and zearalenone at a private agricultural lab or grain elevator. Do not mix contaminated grain with good grain prior to a mycotoxin analysis. The mixing will result in more contaminated grain, which may be difficult to sell.
Edited from Penn State fact sheet on Head Blight authored by Eric DeWolf. http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/PDF/Fusarium_Head_Blight_.pdf
Leaf rust is present in varying amounts. In my estimation it has arrived too late to impact yield, but it can be seen on unsprayed wheat that is still green. Tan spot turned out to be the most prevalent foliage disease this year.