Distribution of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum in wheat over seasons 2001/2003 in Slavonia

In this study contamination of wheat with Fusarium graminearum (FGC) and Fusarium culmorum (FCC) over three consecutive seasons (2001-2003) was examined. Ten selected varieties were grown on three separate locations (Nova Gradiska -NG, Osijek -OS, Pozega -PZ) in Slavonija. The overall (all seasons and varieties) results indicate the mean contamination level of 10.2% for FG 4 and 1.4% for FC. Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher Fus. gram. (FGC) and Fus. culm. (FCC) contamination levels in the season 2002. On the other hand, the NG location had consistently higher infection rates compared to the other two locations, with up to 21.9% of FG-contaminated grains, and 2.1% of FC-contaminated grains. Individual varieties did not seem to be differently affected by either of the Fusarium strains. In conclusion, FG contamination levels, as opposed to FC, exceeded an upper margin of 5% tolerance for commercial bread wheat production.