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Causal organism - Fusarium spp.
Primarily: F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. graminearum,
Microdochium nivale, F. poae
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The most important source of Fusarium on wheat crops is the seed but the fungus can also survive on debris in the soil. In seasons where weather conditions are wet during flowering and grain formation, spores are splashed from lower in the canopy causing ear blights and seed-borne infection. In such seasons seed-borne infection can pose a serious threat to crop establishment unless seed is treated to control Fusarium. All of the cereal Fusarium species are common in soil. Most have Competitive saprophytic abilities which allow them to colonise debris and stubble in soil. Volunteers may also act as sources of inoculum .
Importance
Symptoms of Fusarium infection are common in wheat crops in the UK and most cereal crops will have some symptoms of one or other of these diseases. When weather conditions are wet during flowering, high levels of ear blights are common but their incidence is frequently overestimated and losses are only rarely serious. Severe foot rotting is very rare in the UK and losses are generally very small. The seed-borne phase of the disease is potentially very damaging, particularly if crops are late sown. Seed treatment plays a major role in preventing seedling losses due to Fusarium infection.
