The agronomic and economic viability of innovative cropping systems to reduce Fusarium head blight and related mycotoxins in wheat

The effective control of Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, mainly caused by the toxigenic fungus graminearum , has a significant impact on food safety worldwide. As maize is one main hosts F. risk infection this plant pathogen highest when wheat grown after and infected crop residues are not buried through ploughing. This study aimed to investigate agronomic economic viability two innovative cropping systems with goal reduce FHB mycotoxins subsequent wheat. These were maize-intercropping cover different species before growing season under reduced tillage practices. For study, red clover, sudangrass, phacelia, white mustard Indian used as intercrops grain compared sole maize-winter rotation no-tillage or tillage. mustard, winter pea interval crops silage maize-spring treatments without crop, i.e. herbicide plough applied maize. incidence causing accumulation grains well yield monitored. In addition, an assessment was conducted calculating receipts, operating costs gross margin for each system. Growing maize-wheat decreased while maintaining yield. use deoxynivalenol up 52% crop. also improved spring 85% 25%, respectively. Remarkably, toxin reduction these comparable that obtained However, due increased costs, we observed trade-offs systems, 7–25% over entire rotation. Both cereal growers consumers can benefit from recommended practices, which considerably lower mycotoxin contamination harvest products To address trade-offs, policy makers should support innovation enhancing ensuring production systems. • investigated. maintainedwheat Due Policy agricultural enhance production.