Nathan Kleczewski, Extension Specialist – Plant Pathology; nkleczew@udel.edu
As you make your final decisions on wheat varieties, check with dealers for their level of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB). There are several varieties to choose from that should yield well and provide decent resistance to FHB. Research tells us that moderately resistant varieties provide additional protection against DON accumulation in heads, and when coupled with properly applied FHB-labeled fungicides, can reduce blight and DON by 70% or more. Conversely, fungicides applied to a susceptible variety only provide around 50% control if applied properly. Other management practices that can help reduce local buildup of FHB inoculum and effects of the disease include avoiding planting wheat after corn and residue management where practical. These practices may have subtle effects on disease but can reduce overall levels of head blight. You should not rely solely on fungicides to manage this disease.
Two wheat varieties showing differing levels of Fusarium head blight.