Fusarium Head Blight (Scab)
Fusarium graminearum
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameFusarium Head Blight (Scab)
DescriptionFusarium head blight causes grain heads to turn prematurely white or bleached. Identify these 'scabby' heads to prevent toxic mycotoxin contamination in your harvest.
TypeFungus
FamilyNectriaceae
GenusFusarium
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumAscomycota
SubphylumPezizomycotina
ClassSordariomycetes
OrderHypocreales
Features
- A devastating disease of wheat, barley, and oats caused primarily by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. Also known as 'Head Scab'
- Most recognizable symptom is the premature bleaching or blighting of a portion or the entirety of the grain head while the rest of the plant remains green
- Infections often occur during the flowering (anthesis) stage. Infected spikelets may show a pink-to-orange fuzzy growth near the base
- Results in 'tombstone' kernels—shriveled, lightweight grains that are chalky white or pinkish in color. These are often blown out of the combine during harvest
- The fungus produces dangerous mycotoxins, most notably Deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), which makes the grain toxic for humans and livestock consumption
- The fungus overwinters in crop residue, especially corn stalks and small grain stubble. Spores are released during warm, humid, and rainy weather
- Unlike rusts, FHB is not carried long distances by wind; the inoculum typically comes from the soil and residue within or near the field
- Can significantly reduce both grain yield and quality (test weight). High DON levels can lead to severe price discounts or total rejection at the grain elevator
- Prevent by rotating crops (avoiding wheat after corn) and planting moderately resistant varieties. Plow under or remove crop residue to reduce spore levels
- Apply triazole-based fungicides (like prothioconazole) specifically during early flowering in wheat or full head emergence in barley
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificFusarium graminearum
English (Alternate)Head scab, FHB
Hindiफ्यूसेरियम हेड ब्लाइट (Fusarium head blight)
Tamilஃபியூசேரியம் தலை கருகல் (Fusarium thalai karugal)
Teluguఫ్యుసేరియం హెడ్ బ్లైట్ (Fusarium head blight)
Malayalamഫ്യൂസേറിയം ഹെഡ് ബ്ലൈറ്റ് (Phyūsēriyaṃ heḍ blaīṭ)
Kannadaಫ್ಯುಸೇರಿಯಂ ಶ ಶಿರಕಜ್ಜಿ ರೋಗ (Phyusēriyaṃ ś shirakajji rōga)
Sanskritकलम-ग्लानि-रोग (Kalama-glāni-roga)
Bengaliফিউসারিয়াম হেড ব্লাইট (Fusarium head blight)
Frenchfusariose de l'épi
Russianфузариоз колоса (fuzarioz kolosa)
Spanishfusariosis de la espiga
GermanÄhrenfusariose
