Objective:
Focus on three genetically distinct populations of Fusarium graminearum in the Upper Midwest, two of which were first identified by the University of Minnesota in collections from 1999/2000 and are referred to as emergent populations.

Approach:
Investigate the genetic diversity, especially with regard to toxin producing potential, of populations of Fusarium graminearum currently found in the U.S. Assess whether strains of specific populations are more aggressive and/or cause more toxin accumulation on specific wheat cultivars (including lines containing the major 3BS QTL for FHB resistance). Determine whether F. graminearum and F. asiaticum with a nivalenol chemotype may spread to major Midwestern wheat growing areas of the U.S.