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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #248415
Title: Results of 2009 uniform biological control Trials

Author
item YUEN, G - University Of Nebraska
item JOCHUM, C - University Of Nebraska
item HALLEY, S - North Dakota State University
item MISEK, K - North Dakota State University
item SWEETS, L - University Of Missouri
item KIRK, W - Michigan State University
item Schisler, David

Submitted to: National Fusarium Head Blight Forum
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/2/2009
Publication Date: 12/7/2009
Citation: Yuen, G.Y., Jochum, C.C., Halley, S.A., Misek, K., Sweets, L.E., Kirk, W., Schisler, D.A. 2009. Results of 2009 uniform biological control trials. Proceedings of National Fusarium Head Blight Forum. p. 101-105.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Due to the difficulty of substantially reducing Fusarium head blight of wheat with any one control measure, integrated control approaches are seen as the best opportunity to consistently reduce the disease. Biological control agents (BCA’s), applied as a part of a tank mix with fungicides at flowering, or applied separately from the fungicide after kernel development begins, could be well positioned to reduce new infections by the pathogen that can take place after fungicides are approved for use. The objectives of this series of investigations was to evaluate two biological materials applied alone and in combination with a fungicide for effectiveness in managing Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley in field trials conducted at six locations across four states. The biological materials tested were a dual-cultured, two yeast strain mixtures (Cryptococcus flavescens OH 182.9, NRRL Y-30216 and C. aureus OH 71.4, NRRL Y-30213) and a commercial product containing Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB24. Across all locations, treatments containing the fungicide Prosaro alone or combined with a biocontrol agent were efficacious in the majority of cases. Interestingly, the treatment with Prosaro followed by the dual-cultured yeast product reduced DON by 34% and was the only treatment to significantly reduce DON when results were averaged across all locations. The treatments with the BCA alone or in combination with the fungicide were comparable in consistency to the standard fungicide and in a few instances provided higher levels of control. Additional experiments to evaluate the integration of BCA’s with fungicides to enhance the level of FHB reduction are warranted.