Companion cover crop residue to reduce Fusarium head blight and DON in winter malting barley

Overview

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of small grains caused primarily by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, which produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). For malting barley, DON levels must remain below 1 ppm to meet regulatory and industry standards. This solution investigates the use of companion cover crop residue as a physical and biological barrier to reduce the spread of F. graminearum spores from soil-surface residue to barley spikes. By integrating cover crops such as crimson clover, oat, and daikon radish into winter malting barley production, this approach offers a sustainable alternative to tillage for managing FHB and DON, with added benefits for grain yield and quality.

Technical specifications

The problem addressed:

• F. graminearum overwinters in infected grain, grass stubble, chaff, and cornstalk residue left on the soil surface
• In spring, spores are disseminated via air currents or rain splash from in-field residue onto barley spikelets
• Conventional tillage buries infected residue but carries negative environmental implications

The proposed solution:

• Companion cover crop residue acts as a physical barrier between soil-surface pathogen reservoirs and barley spikes
• Three cover crop treatments under evaluation: crimson clover, daikon radish, and oat
• Two seeding strategies: broadcast into soybean prior to barley planting, and drilled alongside barley
• Control treatment: barley grown with no companion cover crop

Measured outcomes:

• FHB incidence and severity at the soft dough stage
• Grain quality metrics including test weight, protein, moisture, pre-harvest sprout, DON, germination, and plumpness
• Biomass evaluation of barley, cover crops, and weeds

Preliminary results (2019 study):

• Barley grain yield and quality generally improved when grown alongside a companion cover crop
• Further investigation is needed to identify the mechanisms behind these benefits

Technology readiness level

This research is currently in the field validation stage. A preliminary study was established in fall 2019, and a follow-up experiment is planned for the 2020-2021 growing season at two locations in Ohio. The next phase will evaluate spring biomass, FHB incidence and severity at the soft dough stage, and comprehensive grain quality analysis at harvest. This project represents an early-to-mid stage agricultural research initiative with promising preliminary data, advancing toward practical recommendations for integrated FHB management in winter malting barley production systems.