Summary To investigate the distribution and diversity of the pathogens associated with Fusarium crown rot in the Huanghuai wheat‐growing region (HHWGR) of China, we collected wheat samples with symptomatic stem bases from seven provinces in the HHWGR between 2013 and 2016. A total of 1196 isolates obtained from 222 locations were identified as 9 Fusarium species based on morphological and molecular identification. Of these pathogen species, F. pseudograminearum was the dominant species. Furthermore, F. sinensis was isolated from the disease specimens and tested for virulence to wheat. The result of the pathogenicity revealed that an intraspecific differentiation existed in F. pseudograminearum; sequence analysis of the EF‐1α gene showed that 194 F. pseudograminearum isolates were differentiated into two distinct clades which closed to the strains from Australia and China respectively, but neither pathogenicity nor EF‐1α sequence was related to the geographic origins of these isolates. However, universal rice primers‐polymerase chain reaction showed a correlation with the geographical origins of the 194 isolates, which were divided into eight subclusters, the level of genetic diversity was higher within a geographical population than among the different populations. The results of these analyses can be directly used to facilitate disease monitoring and development of control strategies.

No abstract

No abstract

BACKGROUNDYield loss and toxin contamination caused by wheat Fusarium head blight (FHB) have always been a worldwide concern. Cultivating disease‐resistant varieties and fungicide application are effective measures to control FHB. The comprehensive control technology system for FHB and toxin contamination of wheat in Anhui Province needs further improvement. This study compared the control efficacy of different wheat varieties, fungicides and application times on wheat FHB and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination, and the dynamic change of DON accumulation after application.RESULTSAmong the 93 main wheat varieties in Anhui Province, the disease‐resistant and low‐toxic wheat variety “Ningmai 26” was more suitable for planting in the central part of Anhui Province. At the same time, “Yangmai 22” was used for subsequent experiments. The field efficacy trials of different fungicides showed that 30% prothioconazole oil dispersion (OD) had the highest control efficacy on FHB and DON contamination, reaching 94.33 and 77.49%, respectively. The study on the optimum application time of prothioconazole showed that the 0–20% flowering stage was the key point of DON control. The survey of the dynamic changes of DON accumulation showed that prothioconazole could significantly reduce the level of DON accumulation while inhibiting the accumulation rate of DON. At the same time, the control fungicide carbendazim increased the level of DON contamination.CONCLUSIONThis study will provide excellent germplasm resources for cultivating disease‐resistant and low‐toxic wheat varieties, and provide a theoretical reference for establishing a collaborative prevention and control system of disease control and toxin reduction. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.