Evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility and availability of biological and basic substance alternatives for control of Fusarium head blight and rust diseases in wheat: a scoping review with relevance to Irish cropping systems

Key Points

• The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of biological and basic substance alternatives for controlling Fusarium head blight and rust diseases in wheat.
• Scoping review of biological and basic substance alternatives for wheat disease control.
• Assessment focused on efficacy, feasibility, and availability of alternatives like Trichoderma spp.
• Emphasis on the need for region-specific research for sustainable management practices.
• Trichoderma spp. showed potential effectiveness in laboratory settings but lacked consistent field performance.
• Proposed reductions in fungicide use increase the reliance on alternative methods.
• Conclusion highlights the importance of region-specific strategies for effective wheat disease management.