What is the current Fusarium Head Blight situation in Alberta?

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) is caused by several species of a fungal pathogen, Fusarium. The most important Fusarium species affecting Alberta is Fusarium graminearum. Results regarding the occurrence of F. graminearum, based on testing by a range of private and public organizations using different methodologies and involving a range of plant tissues (e.g. seed, heads, crowns, and nodes), have been consistent. F. graminearum was either not or infrequently isolated from seed and crop residues from central to northern Alberta. In contrast, F. graminearum was more frequently isolated from seed, cereal residues, corn residues, and head tissues from fields in southern Alberta, especially under irrigated production. Moreover, over the period from 2001 to 2008, this pathogen is being isolated with increasing frequency, especially in southern Alberta. Outside of southern Alberta other less damaging species of Fusarium are typically associated with FHB symptoms. A laboratory certificate showing that the seed lot in question was tested and found to be non-detectable for F. graminearum must accompany all cereal and corn intended for use as seed in Alberta. See Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development’s Fusarium graminearum Management Plan: Alberta Fusarium Graminearum Management Plan

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1. What is the host range of Fusarium Head Blight?
2. What is the life cycle of Fusarium Head Blight pathogen?
3. What are the symptoms of Fusarium Head Blight?
4. How does Fusarium Head Blight spread?
5. What is the current Fusarium Head Blight situation in Alberta?
6. What can be done to reduce the risk of Fusarium Head Blight on my farm?