Role of agronomic practices on the occurrence of Fusarium head blight of wheat
Abstract
222 words
Fusarium head blight is a disease of small grain cereals that reduces yield and causes
mycotoxin contamination. The role of agronomic practices on the occurrence of wheat
agronomic practices was studied. In the experiment, a survey to determine wheat production
practices was conducted in four agro-ecological zones in 2013 cropping season. Fusarium
head blight incidence and severity was determined in four 1m2 quadrants by counting infected
heads and the proportion of diseased head respectively. Fungal contamination was determined
by isolation on agar media and identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics.
Majority of the farmers planted variety Njoro BW2, obtained certified seeds from Kenya
Agricultural research institute, practiced crop rotation and applied soil amendments. Fusarium
head blight occurrence was prevalent in all the regions but severity and incidence were low
with Fusarium graminearum, F. avenaceum and F. poae isolated as the major causal
agents. Wheat production practices influenced the level of inoculum in the soil, farmers’
choice of variety Njoro BW2 known for moderate tolerance and wheat straw management
could have resulted in low incidence and severity. Isolation of F. graminearun, F. avenaceum
and F. poae in high incidence could indicate that these are the major causal agents of FHB
in wheat growing regions. Wheat farmers need to apply better production practices that
help reduce yield and the level of mycotoxin contamination.
Subjects
4 categoriesRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Report on the implementation of the RUFORUM Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Enhancing crop productivity and household food security among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe
- Efficacy of indigenous fungi isolates against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp) in-vito
- Effect of root knot nematode, Meloidogyne spp. on the growth and productivity of tea clones in Meru County of Kenya
- Reaction of maize genotypes in young stages to Cercospora zeae-maydis and influence of infested maize residue on progress and spread of gray leaf spot in central Uganda