Managing Fusarium in Cereals

Tip #3: Manage Disease Pressures

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal disease of wheat (including durum), barley, oats, other small cereals, grains and corn. FHB can lead to contamination of grain with deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin. Most importing countries set strict maximum levels for DON in wheat and other cereals. When DON levels exceed these limits, grain may be downgraded, restricted to lower‑value uses or rejected entirely which can disrupt shipments and damage Canada’s reputation as a supplier of high‑quality cereal grains. 

Best practices for FHB management 

FHB reduces yield, lowers grain quality and may limit marketing opportunities. Because flowering combined with hot humid weather creates the highest infection risk, proactive management is essential to protect both yield and market access. 

Plan crop rotations 

Fusarium can overwinter in crop residue. Rotating away from cereal crops allows time for infected residues to decompose and reduce disease pressure. 

• Rotate away from cereals for at least one year and preferably two or more years following FHB infection 

• Remember that corn is also susceptible to fusarium and should be considered in rotation planning 

Grow the most resistant varieties available 

Variety selection is one of the most important tools for managing FHB risk. 

• Choose varieties with the highest available FHB resistance ratings 

• Susceptibility varies by crop with durum being most susceptible followed by wheat, barley and oats 

Establish a strong crop stand 

Use high‑quality vigorous seed and appropriate seeding rates to promote uniform emergence. When possible, time seeding so flowering and early kernel development do not coincide with warm humid conditions that favour FHB infection. 

Scout for stage not symptoms 

The risk of fusarium infection increases when hot humid or wet conditions persist during head emergence and flowering. Scouting for crop stage helps determine when fungicide may be needed rather than waiting for visible symptoms. 

Apply fungicide when risk is elevated 

When FHB risk is high, a timely foliar fungicide application can help protect crops at critical stages. 

• Always follow the label for fungicides 

• Use appropriate nozzle configurations to maximize head coverage 

• Refer to risk forecasting tools to guide application decisions 

During the growing season, Prairie‑specific risk tools are available: 

• FHB Risk Mapping Tool 

• Alberta FHB Risk Map 

• Saskatchewan FHB Risk Map 

• Manitoba FHB Risk Map 

Harvest and post‑harvest considerations 

If FHB is suspected, send harvested grain samples for mycotoxin testing to determine DON levels. Discuss results with your grain buyer to understand marketing options. 

At harvest, use higher combine wind speed to help remove lighter damaged kernels. Finely chop and evenly spread straw and chaff to speed residue breakdown and reduce future disease pressure 

 “Crop rotation, scouting and seeding cereal crops with the best available FHB resistance genetics are important tools to help grow a strong crop.”

Melissa Damiani – Bluffton, AB | Barley, canola and wheat farmer 

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