The perennial grain crop Kernza®, also known as intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) is a wild relative of wheat grown primarily in the western United States. Wheat is the third most important field crop in the U.S., after corn and soybean. One of the most important diseases affecting wheat throughout all wheat-growing regions is Fusarium head blight (FHB). As Kernza® is a relative of wheat, it may serve as a host for FHB, and proximity or planting into the stubble of susceptible wheat varieties could increase disease in the more resistant Kernza® crop. The objective of this project is to identify fungal pathogens associated with Kernza®and to confirm the presence of Fusarium graminearum. To identify these pathogens, head samples were contributed from on-farm and research trial locations. Spikelets were used to isolate the fungi using morphological methods. Later, single-spored fungi were obtained and DNA was extracted. We performed PCR and DNA sequencing of the amplified products using ITS primers. Of 69 samples, 54 matched Fusarium species. Again, 6 Fusarium-confirmed samples were sequenced with Fusarium-specific primers. 5 out of 6 samples resulted in Fusarium verticillioides pathogen. The conclusion of the presence of Fusarium graminearum or not will be made after the sequencing result from all the samples. However, identifying the species and strains of Fusarium that colonize Kernza® will be very useful for developing disease-resistant cultivars, as well as better disease management.