Fusarium Head Blight Disease on Wheat in Ethiopia: Field Identification, Epidemiology, Economic Importance and its Management options

Author(s)

Tamene Mideksa Sarbessa , Zerihun Eshetu ,

Download Full PDF Pages: 01-10 | Views: 14 | Downloads: 3 | DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23376791

Volume 10 - June 2026 (06)

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is caused by a Fusarium species, mostly by F.graminearum (Schwabe). FHB infections cause problems in quality of wheat seeds by producing varieties of mycotoxins, of which deoxynivalenol (DON) is perhaps the most famous. The pathogen survives on infected debris, infected seed and infested soil. Spores spread through rain splash, wind and insects to incite infection. Fusarium head blight is sensitive environmental conditions, it requires conducive environment (>10-30%C, 70-90 humidity and high rainfall during anthesis. Management of the disease should be based on weather predictions. Due to high risk of mycotoxin production, different countries have their own restriction level for human and animal consumption ranging from less than 1 ppm and up to 3 ppm. The disease prevalence   is from 50-100 in wheat growing areas of Ethiopia.  Yield losses of up to 46-50% has been reported in Ethiopia and worldwide   Different management options are suggested for the control of fusarium head blight on wheat in Ethiopia and other countries. Among them fungicides, cultural practices (late planting having weather forecast, using crop rotations and frequent tillage) and host resistance like Sumai 3 (Chinese) variety,) are reported to be effective. Triazole (DMI) fungicides especially; prothioconazole, metconazole, & tebuconazole, application and integrating with the host resistance is highly effective.  This review highlights the importance of FHB, milestones of FHB research and its management options. The aim of this review is to describe the biology of the pathogen, discuss the epidemiology and management options of the disease in Ethiopia

Keywords

Fusarium Head Blight Disease, Field Identification, Epidemiology

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