Fusariuminfection in some Waikato, New Zealand barley

Abstract

Fusarium infection in field barley from the Waikato region of New Zealand was detennined in 1989-91. F. avenaceum and the potentially toxigenic F. crookwellense, F. equiseti, and F. graminearum were the most common Fusarium spp. isolated frOOlleaf pieces and grain although the species varied with year and site. The incidence of Fusarium infection was highest in the 1989 crop and may have been influenced by higher mean temperature and rainfall at anthesis in this crop than in the 1990 and 1991 crops. The incidence of Fusarium infection on maize debris from previous crops was high. The incidence of infection of barley by other toxigenic fungi e.g., Penicillium spp. was very low and no Aspergillus spp. were isolated.