Where should scouts look for indicators of FHB in cereals?

Scouts should focus on the base of florets when looking for indicators of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in cereals because this is where the disease primarily manifests. FHB is caused by specific Fusarium fungi that infect the developing heads of cereal grains, particularly during flowering. The symptoms usually emerge first at the base of the florets, where one might observe discoloration, blighting, and in some cases, the presence of a pinkish mold, which is indicative of fungal growth.

Inspecting this area allows scouts to identify early signs of the disease before it spreads extensively throughout the plant. Other parts of the plant, such as the tip of the leaves, center of the stalks, or roots, are less likely to present clear indicators of FHB infestation. For example, while other parts of the plant can show various problems or stress, they do not provide specific signs of Fusarium infection like the florets do. This targeted scouting approach is essential in effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM), as early detection can help in implementing timely control measures to mitigate the impact of FHB on crop yields.