Success StorySurvey of Fusarium Diseases in Kentucky Floral and Grain Hemp



Survey of Fusarium Diseases in Kentucky Floral and Grain Hemp

Author: Nicole Gauthier

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Hemp

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Survey of Fusarium Diseases in Kentucky Floral and Grain Hemp

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a versatile crop that can be used to produce a wide range of products including food, fiber, and medicine. In 2021, U.S hemp was valued at over $824 million despite some volatility in the markets. Emerging threats to hemp production in Kentucky and the Southeast are Fusarium bud blight in floral hemp and Fusarium head blight in grain hemp. During the 2020 and 2021, severe losses, some as high as 100%, resulted from bud and head blights.  Necrotic floral tissues and seed heads were confirmed infected with F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. incarnatum-equiseti species complexand F. sporotrichioides. Simultaneously, postharvest material was sampled from grower barns and storage units.  In addition to the species documented in fields, F. armeniacum, F. fujikurio, F. luffae, and F. verticilloides were also confirmed.  Many of these species are also known to cause head blight of cereal grains.  The mycotoxin production potential of each of these species warrants further studies into the parameters that influence infection and the interaction between these Fusarium spp. and hemp.  This survey provides critical information as the hemp industry in Kentucky becomes established and markets stabilize.  Understanding of frequency and distribution of Fusarium diseases is the first step in making management recommendations and protecting grower yields.

 






Stories by Nicole Gauthier


Linking Extension and Research for Disease Management Solutions

about 5 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Hemp is a new crop for Kentucky and for the US. Urban myth describes hemp as resistant to disease a... Read More


Educating and Empowering Agents through Education and Cultivation of New Skills to Better Serve Stakeholders: A Plant Pathology Certificate Program

about 5 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Agriculture and Natural Resources and Horticulture Extension agents throughout Kentucky assist growe... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Plant Sample Preparation and Submission Webinar Training for County Extension Staff

about 5 years ago by Kimberly Leonberger

Whenlandscape or garden plants begin to show symptoms of a problem, or commercial crops start to dec... Read More


Educating agents and the ag industry on the importance of soybean cyst nematode in reducing soybean yields

about 5 years ago by Carl Bradley

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is the most destructive soybean pathogen in the United States. In 2... Read More