![Sample our Environment & Agriculture journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5934/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Environment-Agriculture.jpg"})
Abstract
The occurrence of fusarium head blight (FHB) in oat in Canada is reviewed, and preliminary results of recent studies in Manitoba are presented. Fusarium head blight was common in oat crops surveyed in southern Manitoba in 2002 and 2003, but visually, only low levels were evident. Fusarium graminearum and F. poae were the principal fungal species recovered from affected kernels. Levels of Fusarium spp. and deoxynivalenol (DON) varied among oat cultivars tested for their reactions to FHB in field trials. Putative Fusarium-damaged kernels were also assessed, but their identification was equivocal. As such, evaluation of DON and F. graminearum appear to be the best means of determining general FHB levels in oat and reaction differences among oat genotypes. Compared with wheat and barley, oat was less affected by FHB and may be more resistant to the disease. Dehulled oats (groats), when processed, had much lower levels of DON compared with whole oats. Effective management of FHB, including incorporation of improved levels of resistance and use of cultural options is needed to minimize the impact of the disease and ensure the sustainability of the crop in the region. Fusarium head blight is a major (new) disease of oat in western Canada.