An integrated pest management program for managing fusarium head blight disease in cereals

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a worldwide devastating disease of small grain cereals and Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is the major pathogen causing the disease. The epidemics of FHB lead to the reduction of grain yield and economic losses. Additionally, mycotoxins produced by the FHB pathogens are hazardous to the health of human and livestock. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology of FHB, and introduce effects of this disease on economy, environment and food safety. We focus on the integrated management approaches for controlling FHB including agronomic practices, resistant cultivars, chemical control, and biocontrol. In addition, we also discuss the potential novel management strategies against FHB and mycotoxin.