What kind of Fusarium damage did you see? That’s a common question among farmers in Saskatchewan this year.

Reports show there are a number of producers with samples ranging from a #3 to feed depending on the level of Fusarium, 2% or higher.

The fungal disease mainly impacts cereal crops in the southeast but was a big problem right across the province.

Saskatchewan’s Cereal Specialist Mitchell Japp:

"What the numbers are this year, I don't know if we have a real solid handle on it," he said.

"We had the crop report a number of weeks back where the reporters were indicating downgrading to Fusarium fairly widespread across the province. I think the only region that didn't comment on that particular one was the northwest.

Japp adds it’s going to be very important that we get a seed test and test for Fusarium as well as vigor and germination:

"If it is less than two percent fusarium graminearum, it is probably okay, it is relatively low and not inoculum load," he said.

"Less than five percent, so between two and five percent, use the registered seed treatment and if it is above five percent Fusarium graminearum, you should look for a different seed source."

The wet weather this year provided the right environmental conditions for a widespread problem with Fusarium.