Efficacy of Fungicides on Wheat for Preventing Fusarium Head Blight and Foliar Diseases in Southeast Pennsylvania, 2024

Fusarium head blight (FHB) or head scab, caused by Fusarium graminearum, causes yield loss and mycotoxin contamination in wheat ( Tritici aestivum L.) in Pennsylvania each year. Common foliar diseases that reduce wheat yield include leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, and Stagonospora nodorum leaf blotch (SNB), caused by Stagonospora nodorum. F. graminearum infects wheat heads during flowering and is characterized by premature bleaching of the spikes, pink or orange spores, black perithecia, and shriveled or tombstone kernels. SNB and leaf rust cause foliar lesions, particularly on the flag leaf. This trial tests the effectiveness of several fungicide treatments on soft red winter wheat ‘P25R40’ at the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Manheim, PA. All two-pass fungicide treatments significantly reduced FHB index and increased yield. Miravis Ace SE, Sphaerex, and Prosaro Pro SC performed among the best at reducing FHB index and increasing yield for one-pass treatments. Results from the trial help inform wheat growers of the most effective products and application timing to reduce FHB, foliar diseases, and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination.