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.






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