Fusarium head blight of barley in China.

摘要

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a widespread and destructive disease of barley (Hordeum vulgare) in China. Extensive research on FHB of barley has been conducted in China over the past 50 years, but most of the research publications are written in Chinese and are not accessible to readers outside China. At least 16 Fusarium species pathogenic to barley have been identified in China, with F. graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae) considered the primary cause of FHB. Severe FHB epidemics have occurred since 1952, particularly in regions in the lower and middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The mycotoxins deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, zearalenone, T-2, and fumonisin have been associated with FHB epidemics in barley, and many cases of mycotoxicosis have been reported. An integrated management strategy has been employed to mitigate FHB. Six-row cultivars have mostly been replaced by two-row cultivars in southern China. New barley cultivars are generally short in stature, mature early, and have the potential to withstand rainstorms in early spring. Barley accessions with different levels of resistance to FHB have been identified and used in barley breeding programs in China and elsewhere in the world. Forecasting models with high levels of accuracy have been used for decades to assess the risk of FHB epidemics. Application of fungicides is recommended as a control measure when necessary. Also recommended are cultural practices to reduce the risk of FHB epidemics. If all these control measures fail, decontamination methods that have been developed are employed to save Fusarium-infected barley kernels for use as feed.