Fusarium species in barley grains from Uruguay and the effects of cultivar and previous crop on incidence and DON contamination

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major barley disease affecting yield, grain quality, and mycotoxin contamination. This study identified Fusarium species associated with barley grains from Uruguay and evaluated effects of cultivar and previous crop on Fusarium incidence and deoxynivalenol (DON). Thirty-nine commercial samples were analyzed. Fusarium was detected in 30 samples, with incidences of 2–36%. Among 108 isolates, 67% were F. graminearum sensu stricto (lineage 7), 23% F. poae, 7% F. verticillioides, and 3% F. avenaceum. Previous crop significantly affected Fusarium incidence and DON, with higher values after maize, whereas cultivar had no significant effect.