P-315 - Field Validation of the Fusarium Risk Tool and Fungicide Efficacy in Wheat Production in Pennsylvania

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a major disease affecting winter wheat in the Northeast U.S. It reduces yield and produces deoxynivalenol (DON), posing food safety risks. Managing FHB relies on an integrated disease management strategy, including resistant varieties, crop rotation, risk monitoring, and fungicide application when FHB risk is high. However, Fusarium risk tool remains unvalidated for farmers’ fields, and on-farm fungicide efficacy data are limited. This study compared fungicide efficacy in small-plot research trials and on-farm strip trials in Pennsylvania and validated the FHB risk tool at these locations. Trials were planted using a susceptible variety in October 2023 at the Penn State Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Centre, Rock Springs (RS), and the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Centre (SEAREC). Five on-farm sites were identified in the spring of 2024, where cooperating farmers applied fungicide, leaving untreated sections. Disease assessments were conducted at the soft-dough stage, and grain samples were analyzed for DON. FHB risk predictions were high at all locations during flowering. Disease severity exceeded 10% in untreated plots at SEAREC (20%) and two on-farm sites (18% and 22%), with DON levels above 1 ppm at SEAREC (3.2 ppm) and three on-farm sites (1.0–4.0 ppm). Fungicides significantly reduced FHB and DON at all locations except RS. These results highlight variability in FHB risk predictions and underscore the effectiveness of fungicides in reducing disease severity and toxin contamination.