FHB MANAGEMENT RESEARCH IN NEW YORK

Project Title 1 - Enhancement of Biocontrol of FHB/DON Through an Understanding of Microbial Ecology: The emphasis of this proposal is on microbial ecology, particularly the temporal, spatial, and physical interactions between B. subtilis and Fusarium graminearum on wheat floral structures. Objectives of this research are to: 1) Continue to evaluate the temporal population dynamics of Bacillus subtilis and Fusarium graminearum on wheat spikes under varying environmental conditions; and 2) Determine the contribution of antifungal lipopeptides to biological control by Bacillus subtilis. Project Title 2 - Within-Field Inoculum from Corn Debris and the Management of FHB/DON: Our experimental objective is to quantify the relative contribution of within-field corn debris as an inoculum source of Gibberella zeae for Fusarium head blight and DON contamination in 20 variable wheat or barley environments over two years, all in regions where corn is the predominant crop in the agricultural landscape and corn debris is left on the land surface over large areas. Our research addresses Goal #3, to develop a full understanding of specific factors influencing infection and toxin accumulation that can be used to develop the next generation of scab and DON risk assessment measures. Specifically we will (1) elucidate the contribution of local inoculum sources to the temporal and spatial development of FHB epidemics, and this knowledge will, in turn, (2) help refine models for FHB risk assessment. Results from this study will increase our understanding of the spread of G. zeae from a local source of inoculum and will be of immediate value in determining the relative risk of infection of wheat by G. zeae from within-field sources of inoculum. Project Title 3 - Integrated Management Strategies for FHB and DON in New York: As part of a multi-state Coordinated Project, field experiments will be conducted to investigate the effects of variety resistance and fungicide/biocontrol application on FHB and DON accumulation in winter wheat under natural conditions. Overarching project objectives are to 1) Evaluate the integrated effects of fungicide and genetic resistance on FHB and DON in all major grain classes in different cropping systems; 2) Conduct a quantitative synthesis of the integrated effects of fungicide and resistance on FHB/DON and the influence of region-specific factors on the overall efficacy of this integrated approach; and 3) Develop ¿best-management practices¿ for FHB and DON.