HARRISBURG – Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding today there are some simple steps producers can take to help prevent crops from becoming infected with plant diseases that produce compounds like deoxynivalenol, or DON.
“Because of cool, damp growing conditions last year, the environment was just right for DON to thrive in corn and grains used for feed and food,” Redding said. “The Department of Agriculture and Penn State University have worked closely with farmers and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to monitor DON levels in grain and grain by-products to reduce the risk of illness to humans and animals.”
“This year’s Pennsylvania winter wheat crop is beginning to head,” said Prof. Greg Roth of the Pennsylvania State University. “Now is a critical time to begin evaluating the crop for head scab disease by visiting our website at and taking the appropriate steps if necessary to treat and manage the crop.”
Redding and Roth offered a few tips for producers looking to mitigate the risk of having their crops infected:
Consider using a fungicide at heading. While the presence of DON can’t be eliminated, using fungicides can reduce the occurrence of the fungus.
Vary planting dates and wheat maturity. Doing this will reduce the risk of your entire crop becoming infected with DON.
Select and plant wheat varieties that have some resistance to the fungus. Producers can find resistance data by contacting seed companies or from university testing programs.
Use a high-quality seed which will reduce seedling blight. Also, run a germination test to indicate the percent of germ and vigor in the seed.
To reduce the risk of Gibberella Ear Rot in corn, walk the fields and if any corn is affected, contact county extension to determine whether the particular fungus on your corn leads to ear rot.
For more information about DON in Pennsylvania, visit www.wheatscab.psu.edu.