Objective:
Project 1: Determine the potentials for combining the bacterial biological control agent Lysobacter enzymogenes C3 with other biocontrol fungi and bacteria having different modes of action to control FHB. Evaluate the effectiveness of combining L. enzymogenes C3 and other inducers of host resistance with tebuconazole in controlling FHB. Isolate microorganisms that can biodegrade deoxynivalenol (DON). Project 2: Conduct a field test of biological control agents for control of FHB on winter wheat in Nebraska as part of the FY2006 Uniform Biological Control Tests.

Approach:
Project 1: Test C3 in combination with known FHB biocontrol agents and combine with elicitors of induced systemic resistance. Test induced systemic elicitors and C3 in combination with tebuconazole. Find microorganisms that can degrade DON through a two-stage enrichment and isolation procedure using media containing DON. Project 2: Evaluate biological control agents at one site using standardized methods for applying the biocontrol agents and for determining disease control efficacy; compile data and report collective results. FY06 Projects: 1. Enhancing Biological Strategies to Control Fusarium Head Blight 2. Uniform Tests of Biological Control Agents Against Head Blight