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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 for wheat crops is the seed. In seasons where weather conditions are wet during flowering and grain formation, ear infection is common and can result in very high levels of seed-borne infection. In such seasons seed-borne infection can pose a serious threat to crop establishment unless seed is treated. 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 Fusarium symptoms. However, severe disease is very rare in the UK and losses due to Fusarium infection are generally very small. The seed-borne phase of the disease is potentially very damaging, particularly if crops are late sown into poor seedbeds. Seed treatment plays a major role in preventing seedling losses due to Microdochium and Fusarium species infection.
