Disease management and estimated effects on DON (Deoxynivalenol) contamination in fusarium infested barleys

Authors: MCKEE, GREGORY - University Of Nebraska; Cowger, Christina; DILL-MACKY, RUTH - University Of Minnesota; FRISKOP, ANDREW - North Dakota State University; GAUTAM, PRAVIN - Basf Corporation North America; RANSOM, JOEL - North Dakota State University; WILSON, WILLIAM - North Dakota State University

Submitted to: Open Access Journal of Agricultural Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/9/2019
Publication Date: 8/1/2019
Citation: Mckee, G., Cowger, C., Dill-Macky, R., Friskop, A., Gautam, P., Ransom, J., Wilson, W. 2019. Disease management and estimated effects on DON (Deoxynivalenol) contamination in fusarium infested barleys. Open Access Journal of Agricultural Research. 9:155. https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9070155.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture9070155

Interpretive Summary: Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) is an economically damaging disease of barley. The study analyzed the relationship between barley quality, the level of FHB, and the use of FHB management techniques such as fungicide application and variety choice. It used data from barley field experiments in North Dakota and South Dakota that included varieties with different levels of FHB resistance. It also employed data from a national survey of wheat and barley producers on the use of FHB management techniques. The study presents an estimate of the statistical relationship between barley quality (as measured by presence of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, or DON); FHB incidence and severity; and a variety of management techniques. The results show that management practices are important for minimizing DON in barley.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB or scab) is an economically damaging disease of barley. FHB, predominantly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most important small grain diseases in the United States resulting in reductions of yield and quality of the grain. The most common mycotoxin associated with FHB is deoxynivalenol (DON). DON levels can be managed through a variety of techniques. This study presents an estimate of the statistical relationship between barley quality (as measured by presence of DON) and FHB incidence, severity, and a variety of management techniques. The results show the importance, and complexity, of FHB management on preserving barley quality.