Success StoryFusarium Head Blight in Hemp: From Research to Outreach



Fusarium Head Blight in Hemp: From Research to Outreach

Author: Nicole Gauthier

Planning Unit: Plant Pathology

Major Program: Plant Disease ID

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Fusarium head blight has recently become a serious disease for the emerging hemp industry.  Hemp seed is a nutrient-dense grain with high levels of crude protein and polyunsaturated fats.  The addition of hemp grain products to animal feed has recently been approved in multiple US states. As Fusarium head blight is reported to cause severe losses and produce dangerous mycotoxins, disease management is of major concern. UK hemp pathologists have conducted research that documents causal species, time of fungal infection, extended latent infection periods, cross infection from spring wheat, and transfer of fungal contamination to postharvest storage. This year, research results and recommendations were translated into Extension fact sheets and research reports, newsletter articles, and social media/videos. This information was aggregated on the new UK Hemp Research, Extension, and Education website (hemp.ca.uky.edu/diseases-insect-pests) where site visits reached 3,530 last year. In 2023, the market value of industrial hemp increased 18% from 2022, and grain hemp yields increased >400%. Thus, understanding and managing Fusarium head blight of hemp can protect the emerging hemp industry.






Stories by Nicole Gauthier


Protecting Kentucky Apple Production with the Fire Blight Disease Prediction Weather Model.

about 5 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Fire blight is the most economically important disease of apples in Kentucky. It is estimated that 5... Read More


Organic and Sustainable Approaches to Home Gardening In-Service Training – Empowering Agents through Needs-Based Hands-On Training

about 5 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Kentucky agriculture and natural resources and horticulture county Extension agents reported an incr... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Improving Postharvest Corn Disease Management

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Postharvest ear rots of corn are caused by fungi that produce toxic compounds, known as mycotoxins. ... Read More


National corn fungicide efficacy resources coordinated through University of Kentucky

about 5 years ago by Kiersten Wise

Foliar fungicide applications have now become common in corn production, often applied in the absenc... Read More