ARS | Publication request: The Impact of Crop, Pest, Biotechnology, and Agricultural Management Practices on Mycotoxin Contamination of Wheat

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 6, 2009
Publication Date: June 6, 2009
Citation: Kendra, D.F. 2009. The Impact of Crop, Pest, Biotechnology, and Agricultural Management Practices on Mycotoxin Contamination of Wheat [abstract]. International Wheat Quality Conference. p. 37.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating and menacing disease of wheat worldwide. Although several different Fusarium species can cause FHB, F. graminearum is the principle pathogen in Canada and the United States. Economic losses due to FHB are due to reduced yield and grain quality and contamination with mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON). The occurrence of FHB and DON in foods and feeds depends on numerous factors including the geographic region where the wheat crop was produced as well as the conditions under which it was grown, harvested, and stored. The most important factors influencing FHB and DON production are variety susceptibility, flowering date, moisture, relative humidity, and temperature. Wheat is susceptible from flowering up to the hard dough stage of kernel development. DON production during infection serves as a virulence factor and is thought to help the fungus spread into adjacent tissues. Successful management of FHB requires an integrated approach including the use of resistant wheat varieties, use of non-host crops in rotation schemes, and fungicides. More recently, a transgenic approach was developed that limits the accumulation of DON in wheat and reduced FHB symptoms in field and greenhouse studies. Development of a comprehensive management program that minimizes mycotoxin contamination during all stages of production from the field to the final consumer is critical to ensure safe food and feed.