| EFFECT OF HUMIDITY ON FHB SYMPTOM DEVELOPMENT |
| The work presented here forms part of a three-year
project funded by the HGCA on the 'Epidemiology and control of fusarium ear
blight' (Project Report No. 143). |
| The incidence of wet weather (high humidity) is the most important factor in
the development of FHB. |
| The effect of humidity on FHB and mycotoxin production was assessed in trials carried out between 1994 and 1996.
Symptom development, ear infection, mycotoxin production and yield loss were assessed under three humidity
regimes ambient, medium (>70%) and high (>80%). Control of humidity was achieved using mist irrigation. |
| In 1994, individual plots were inoculated with one of the four FHB pathogens;
Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium poae or
Microdochium nivale. In subsequent years inoculation with Fusarium
graminearum was also included. Plots were inoculated at early anthesis (GS60). |
| Visual assessment of FHB symptoms was carried out at growth stage 75 and 85. The results of the
GS85 assessment in 1995 are shown below. |
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| In general, increased relative humidity led to an increase in FHB symptoms, with highest disease levels recorded on plots inoculated with F. culmorum or F. graminearum. |
| Return to FHB Index page |
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RAPID ACCESS TO THE LATEST REGIONAL CROP PEST AND DISEASE LEVELS |
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