Poster

Darcy E. P. Telenko and Camila P. Nicolli
1. Purdue University, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Indiana

Telenko, Darcy E. P.

dtelenko@purdue.edu

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, remains one of the most economically important wheat diseases in the United States and Canada, resulting in yield losses, reduced grain quality, and deoxynivalenol (DON; vomitoxin) contamination. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated research, integrated disease management strategies, and collaboration among researchers, Extension specialists, industry partners, and stakeholders. The 7^th International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight, held October 5–8, 2026, in Perugia, Italy, brought together international researchers to share advances in host resistance, pathogen biology, plant-pathogen interactions, diagnostics, mycotoxin management, and integrated disease control strategies. In summary our contributions to the symposium were, highlighting (1) local and national efforts to advance FHB management through applied research, disease monitoring, fungicide evaluations, forecasting tools, and stakeholder education, and (2) research investigating fungal chemotype diversity associated with Gibberella ear rot across the U.S. Corn Belt to improve mycotoxin risk prediction in corn. Key insights from international researchers were shared on advances in host resistance, Fusarium species diversity, pathogen biology, molecular diagnostics, biological control, and emerging disease forecasting technologies. One important outcome of participating in this meeting was an invitation to represent North America at the 16th Conference of the World Mycotoxin Forum (WMF2027), which will be held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from April 19–21, 2027. This invitation represents an important opportunity to contribute to international discussions on mycotoxin research, strengthen North American representation in the global scientific community, and foster new collaborations. These discussions underscore the importance of international scientific exchange, interdisciplinary partnerships, and coordinated research initiatives, including the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (USWBSI) and Crop Protection Network (CPN). By highlighting research advances, emerging priorities, and opportunities for collaboration, we aim to demonstrate the value of participating in international scientific meetings, encourage broader engagement in future symposia, and strengthen collaborative research networks addressing Fusarium-associated diseases and mycotoxin contamination in cereal production systems.

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