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


Linking Extension and Research for Disease Management Solutions

about 4 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 4 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 4 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 4 years ago by Carl Bradley

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