Effect of Fusarium Infection during Wheat Seed Development on the Production of Don and Seed Quality

INTRODUCTION: Head scab caused by Fusarium graminaerum (Schwabe) has caused significant losses in the soft red winter wheat crop in Kentucky and in small grain crops in many regions of North America. Damage from head scab results in reductions in seed quality, emergence, and yield of wheat. In addition, losses in food-grain quality are caused by production of fungal mycotoxins, specifically vomitoxin (deoxynivalenol = DON). Relatively little information is available regarding when peak infection occurs during seed development and maturation and how these infection levels relate to the production of DON and the eventual seed germination and vigor. Considering that the seed is the delivery system for improvements in germplasm and the source for regeneration of new cultivars, it provides a vital link between research initiatives for seed improvement, and the farmer.