Best Prevention and Treatment for Wheat Fusarium Head Blight

Wheat fusarium head blight, also known as scab, can occur from the seedling stage to the heading stage of wheat, with a higher probability of occurrence during heading and flowering. So, what's the best way to prevent and treat wheat fusarium head blight? Let's find out together.

Symptoms of Damage

1. Wheat fusarium head blight can occur from the seedling stage to the heading stage, causing ear rot and seedling rot. It is most prone to occur during heading and flowering, with ear rot being the most severe.

2. When the disease occurs during the seedling stage, it is mainly caused by the invasion of pathogens from the soil or seed-borne pathogens, resulting in dead seedlings or weak seedlings.

3. During the adult stage, the initial symptoms include small, light brown water-stained spots on the spike, which gradually expand to the entire spike. The spikelets become yellowish, and in severe cases, the entire spike may become bleached.

4. In fields with high humidity, pinkish mold may be visible on the infected parts, and black small grain spots may appear later.

Occurrence Regularity

1. The pathogen mainly overwinters and summers as mycelium on wheat seeds or diseased remains, or survives as saprophytes in the soil, serving as the primary source of initial infection. When environmental conditions are suitable the following year, the pathogen releases ascospores, which spread and infect wheat plants through wind, air currents, rainwater, and irrigation water.

2. Wheat fusarium head blight is more likely to occur under conditions of high temperature and high humidity.

3. Late-maturing and nutrient-poor varieties are more susceptible to the disease. Fields with a large amount of diseased remains and a high pathogen load are more susceptible to infection. Wheat fields with heavy and sticky soil, low-lying terrain, and standing water are also more prone to the disease.

4. During the wheat flowering and milk-ripe stages, rainfall and high temperatures can exacerbate the occurrence of the disease.

Preventive Measures

1. Use disease-resistant varieties: Before planting, select wheat varieties with strong resistance and adaptability, such as Yangmai 33, Xinong 511, Huaimai 44, etc. Choose suitable varieties based on the local climate characteristics. When selecting varieties, also consider those with uniform heading, rapid grain filling, and moderate plant height.

2. Seed treatment: Before sowing, apply fungicidal seed coatings in advance. Suspended seed coatings such as fluquinconazole, tebuconazole, and fludioxonil can be used to treat seeds. After drying in the shade, sow the seeds to effectively control the occurrence of fusarium head blight.

3. Scientific tillage: After autumn harvest, combine deep plowing with the removal of diseased remains in the field. Methyl thiophanate can also be spread to disinfect the soil and kill the pathogens in the soil.

4. Timely fertilization: During the wheat tillering stage, apply fertilizer in a timely manner. Avoid late fertilization to prevent wheat from becoming too lush, prolonging the time and opportunity for pathogen invasion, and causing excessive tillers, which can exacerbate the occurrence of fusarium head blight.

5. Chemical control: Under normal circumstances, chemical agents should be used in advance for prevention, typically starting at the "flowering stage". When approximately 5% of the wheat in the field is flowering, begin treatment.

Conclusion

Above is an introduction to the best prevention and treatment methods for wheat fusarium head blight. Fusarium head blight in wheat can be prevented and controlled, but not cured. It is hoped that farmers can take timely preventive measures to achieve good control results.

FAQ:

1. What are the common symptoms of wheat fusarium head blight?

The common symptoms include ear rot, seedling rot, and the appearance of small, light brown water-stained spots on the spike, which gradually expand to the entire spike. In severe cases, the entire spike may become bleached, and pinkish mold may appear on the infected parts.

2. When is wheat fusarium head blight most likely to occur?

Wheat fusarium head blight is most likely to occur during the heading and flowering stages of wheat, especially when there is high temperature and high humidity. Fields with heavy and sticky soil, low-lying terrain, and standing water are more prone to the disease.

3. How can I prevent wheat fusarium head blight?

To prevent wheat fusarium head blight, you can take the following measures:

• Use disease-resistant varieties of wheat.

• Treat wheat seeds with fungicidal seed coatings before sowing.

• Practice scientific tillage to remove diseased remains from the field.

• Apply fertilizer in a timely manner to avoid excessive tillering.

• Use chemical agents for preventive control when approximately 5% of the wheat in the field is flowering.

4. Can wheat fusarium head blight be cured?

No, wheat fusarium head blight cannot be cured. It can only be prevented and controlled through timely and effective measures.

5. How should I respond if my wheat crop is infected with fusarium head blight?

If your wheat crop is infected with fusarium head blight, you should immediately take measures to prevent further spread of the disease, such as removing and destroying infected plants, adjusting irrigation and fertilization practices, and applying fungicides if necessary.