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


Fusarium Bud Blight Detected on Hemp in Kentucky

about 3 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Since hemp was reintroduced in the U.S. under the 2014 Farm Bill, acreage in Kentucky increased dram... Read More


2020 Hemp Field Day Altered to Virtual Format

about 3 years ago by Nicole Gauthier

Since the reintroduction of hemp to the US after a 60+ year hiatus, university specialists have work... Read More


Stories by Plant Pathology


Fungicide resistance monitoring in Kentucky agronomic field crops

about 3 years ago by Carl Bradley

Foliar fungicide use in agronomic field crops has increased greatly over the last decade. This incre... Read More


Development of a soybean cyst nematode testing program and field survey

about 3 years ago by Carl Bradley

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