Fusarium head blight: emergence, impacts on wheat production and management in Ethiopia and beyond

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused predominantly by Fusarium graminearum species complex, is a re-emerging and highly damaging disease affecting wheat production in Ethiopia and other wheat-growing countries in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The disease results in a significant reduction of yield and contaminates wheat grain by producing mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON), which has adverse effects on human and animal health. This article examines the disease emergence, its impact on the national economy, and solutions for managing it in SSA. FHB disease is highly prevalent and can cause grain yield losses of over 50% in the SSA, especially in Ethiopia. Globally, it is recognized as a highly challenging wheat disease to manage, which necessitates an integrated disease management