Louisiana Crops Newsletter, September, 2020
Fusarium head blight (FHB, commonly referred to as scab) is primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum. The fungus causes shriveled and poorly filled seed that result in reduced yield and test weight. The pathogen also produces the mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), which is toxic to animals and humans and can cause grain rejection at the elevator. Scab has been a major problem in Louisiana wheat over the past several years and is a major factor in the decline of Louisiana wheat acreage. Management of FHB is difficult because there are no highly effective single management practices (varieties or fungicides) and an integrated approach is required.