USWBSI Abstract Viewer

2022 National Fusarium Head Blight Forum


FHB Management (MGMT)

Poster # 108

Management of Fusarium Head Blight in Organic Winter Wheat Production in Indiana

Authors & Affiliations:

Camila Rocco da Silva1 and Darcy E. P. Telenko2
1. Purdue University, Botany and Plant Pathology Department, West Lafayette, Indiana
2. Purdue University, Botany and Plant Pathology Department, West Lafayette, Indiana
Corresponding Author: Camila Rocco da Silva, croccoda@purdue.edu

Corresponding Author:

Camila Da Silva
croccoda@purdue.edu

Abstract:

Fusarium graminearum is the causal agent of the Fusarium head blight (FHB), an important disease of small grains that significantly reduces yield and quality of grains. In addition, it can cause the accumulation of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) impacting both human and animal health. In 2021, 1.69% loss in wheat production were reported in the North Central States a value of $109.8 million (458,000 metric tons). Currently disease management recommendations are limited for organic wheat production on Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) approved products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two winter wheat organic cultivars, Kaskaskia - FHB susceptible, and Harpoon - FHB resistant, and four OMRI products for FHB integrated management in Indiana. Field trials were established in 2020 and 2021. The experiments had a split-plot design with four replications, cultivars were the main plot and fungicide treatments as subplots. The four OMRI products evaluated included Reynoutria sachalinensis 12% (0.9 L ha⁻¹); Bacillus pumilus QST 2808 (2.3 L ha⁻¹), Streptomyces lydicus WYEC 108 (0.6 L ha⁻¹), and copper hydroxide (1.7 kg ha⁻¹), and compared to a conventional fungicide (prothioconazole + tebuconazole, 0.8 kg ha⁻¹) and a nontreated control. All products were applied at Feekes 10.5.1. All plots were inoculated with a spore suspension of F. graminearum 24 hours after treatment. Disease ratings were assessed at Feekes growth stages 11.2 and data combined across years. No differences were detected in both cultivars. There were no significant interactions between cultivar and treatment, therefore main effects were compared. No differences between products and nontreated were detected for FHB incidence (P = 0.4587). FHB severity (P = 0.0143) was only significantly reduced by copper hydroxide over nontreated control. In addition, FHB index (P = 0.0220) was reduced by copper hydroxide and prothioconazole + tebuconazole. No significant differences between treatments and nontreated control were observed for yield (P = 0.9197) and DON concentrations (P = 0.4172). These preliminary results presented provide evidence that copper hydroxide might be an option for FHB management in organic winter wheat systems. Future work should continue to evaluate OMRI approved products to determine their efficacy and to provide information about disease management tools for organic farmers in Midwest.


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