Protect Crops from Fusarium Head Blight

Keep Grain Markets Open with FHB Control 

Cereal growers in Canada are encouraged to take early and effective steps to protect their crops from fusarium head blight (FHB), a fungal disease that affects wheat, barley, oats, and corn. Among these, durum wheat, spring wheat, barley, and corn are most vulnerable.  

FHB can lower both crop yield and grain grade, leading to financial losses and reduced market access. 

One of the biggest concerns related to FHB is the production of harmful mycotoxins in infected seeds. In particular, the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), often called vomitoxin, poses a serious threat to grain quality.  

DON contamination can impact livestock feed, the baking and milling of wheat, ethanol production, and the brewing of malt barley. Because most countries have strict limits for DON in imported grains, its presence can block access to global markets. 

To reduce the risk of FHB and protect crop value, Keep it Clean recommends scouting crops based on growth stage rather than waiting for visible symptoms. This proactive approach allows farmers to apply fungicide at the right time—especially during periods of high risk. FHB risk increases during hot, wet, or humid weather at the time of head emergence and flowering. Infection can occur within just three days under these conditions. 

Timely fungicide application during this critical stage can help reduce disease severity and prevent DON buildup. To support decision-making, Prairie-wide FHB risk maps are available for Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. These tools help farmers and agronomists identify areas at higher risk and respond quickly. 

By taking these steps, cereal growers can protect crop health, improve yield, and keep their marketing options open. Learn more and access risk maps at prairiefhb.ca.

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