graminearum

Fusarium graminearum, historically known as Gibberella zeae, is a filamentous fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It reproduces sexually, producing ascospores in perithecia (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) and asexually via conidia (anamorph Fusarium graminearum). The organism is a major plant pathogen and the primary cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, barley, and other cereals, and it can infect maize as well.

Ecology and disease cycle: F. graminearum overwinters in crop residues. In warm, moist springs, ascospores released from perithecia contaminate flowering heads, leading to bleached spikelets and shriveled grains. The fungus often contaminates grain with mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON) and other trichothecenes, and can produce zearalenone in some strains.

Distribution and impact: It has a cosmopolitan distribution in temperate regions and is favored by moderate temperatures and high humidity during flowering. Yields losses and grain quality reductions are accompanied by toxin contamination, affecting food and feed safety and international grain trade.

Management: Integrated disease management is used, including resistant cultivars, crop rotation and residue management, timely fungicide applications at anthesis, and judicious use of fungicides to limit resistance development.