A free national webinar event focusing on Fusarium head blight (also known as “scab”) of small grain crops, known as “Scabinar”, will be held on March 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST (11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST).
Fusarium head blight is the most damaging disease of wheat, barley, and rye grown in Kentucky, and can cause devastating economic losses to Kentucky farmers. Caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium head blight causes both yield and quality losses. In addition to reducing test weight, the Fusarium head blight fungus also produces a toxin, known as deoxynivalenol (DON or “vomitoxin”) that contaminates grain. This toxin is regulated by the FDA and tested for at grain elevators. Market price discounts or sometimes outright rejection of contaminated seed lots can occur when high levels of DON are detected. However, management of Fusarium head blight and DON is possible using the best management practices available.
The Scabinar event is sponsored by the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and will feature presentations and panels composed of experts across the country. The first hour of the Scabinar will focus on the biology of the pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, and the second hour will focus on management of Fusarium head blight.
Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) will be able to earn 2 continuing education units (CEUs) for attending the live Scabinar online. Registration is required and more information about the event and how to register is available at: https://scabusa.org/scabinar.
By Carl A. Bradley, Plant Pathology Extension Specialist
Kentucky Pest News 