Disease – Fusarium graminearum

QuestionsQ: How many ways can seed be infected with Fusarium graminearum?

A: There is systemic infection (inside the seed) and there is surface contamination (spores on the outside of the seed).

Q: How many different types of tests are available to check for the Fusarium graminearum pathogen?

A: Currently there are two different test methods used. They are a DNA-based method and a plate method.

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

The two tests differ in many respects:Technology

Amount of seed

Sensitivity

Time

Type of result

Both tests have a role in providing our customers with accurate and timely results for superior seed quality management

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

15 grams (over 400 seeds) 200 seeds

Detection level Detection level

lower than 0.1% of 0.5%

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

DNA uses a portion of the seed sample as received (no cleaning or sterilizing)

Any Fusarium graminearum spores attached to dirt or dust particles on the outside of the seed are detected

Plate uses a portion of the seed sample that’s sterilized with chlorine bleach

The bleach kills most organisms (including any Fusarium spp.) that are on the outside of the seed

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

1 – 2 days 5 – 8 days

for results for results

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

DNA provides a Plate provides a

positive(+) or percent(%)

negative(-) result infection result

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

Our standard method is the DNA-based test

It is much more accurate due to the number of seeds, the dual level of detection, and the lower level of detection

All positive(+) results from the DNA-based test are plated to determine the percentage(%) of infection

Disease – Fusarium graminearum

A positive(+) from the DNA-based test and a negative(-) from the plate test means:

(1) the infection is below the plate test detectable level of 0.5% or

(2) the infection is surface contamination and was killed during sterilization or

(3) the spores are not viable or

(4) combinations or 1,2, and 3 above

Progress and PersonnelMost seed labs do not use the DNA-based test, so they are missing many seed samples that are infected with Fusarium graminearum

Early identification of low level infected seed can help to reduce the planting of infected seed

Fusarium Test ReviewTimely and efficient

1-2 day turnaround time assists with scheduling and cleaning plant efficiency

AccuracyOver 400 seeds tested (>twice the plate test)

Detection of spores on the seed surface

Lower detection level

Testing at 20/20 Seed LabsBenefit from the features of both tests if necessary (there is no charge for the plate test after a positive(+) DNA-based test)

Fusarium Economics

1½ bushels of wheat (an acre) has approximately 1.1 million seeds

Planting seed with 0.5% Fusarium graminearum infection means you are planting 5,500 infected seeds/acre

Fusarium Economics

Manitoba producers experience yield losses of over 20% in highly infected fieldsMaximum of 0.25% FDK (Fusarium Damaged Kernels) in Red Spring and Hard White No.1 wheat by weight

Fusarium Economics

Fusarium graminearum can create a mycotoxin called deoxynivalenol or DON which compromises the quality of grain used in milling, baking, and pasta makingMalt barley has zero tolerance for the mycotoxin DON

Fusarium Economics

DON becomes concentrated in dried distillers grain which is a by-product of ethanol productionSwine - Feeding DON at levels above 1 ppm in the complete feed will result in some degree of feed refusal.

Prevention & Control MeasuresTest your seed

Choose high quality, vigourous seed

Choose varieties with the best resistance

Treat your seed

Practice crop rotation with other crops

Scout your field for signs of disease

Apply foliar fungicides

Bury your stubble and chaff

Test your grain