Area of impact: Head
 

Description:  Florets are bleached white killed and develop pink to orange spore masses. Kernels are shriveled and white or pink in color with poor germination.
 

Pathogen involved:  Fusarium spp. (a fungus)
 

Timing/Conditions:  Occurs when there is at least 48 hours of persistent moisture during the flowering stage.
 

Contributing factors:  Wheat-wheat or wheat-corn rotation. Wheat scab fungus also causes Gibberella stalk rot in corn.
 

Management practices: Plow under infected residue rotate with beans or sugar beets maintain high fertility plant resistant varieties use seed treatments and avoid sprinkler irrigation during flowering.