Farmers are advised to adjust their combines to get rid of shriveled grain, rather than have it mixed in with plump kernels. Trying to salvage small, shriveled kernels will just lower test weight, increase the frequency of tombstone kernels in the grain, and reduce the value of the crop at the elevator. Because of the potential for mycotoxins in scabby wheat, we have listed below the answers to several questions that wheat producers might ask. Symptoms of scab are premature bleaching of individual spikelets, partial heads or whole heads. Florets may be bleached tan to white within green healthy portions of the head.
Infected kernels are chalky white to pink and shriveled.
A salmon-colored mass of fungus spores may be visible at the base of infected glumes. The disease reduces yields and test weight. Mycotoxins production may occur in the field or in storage. Mycotoxins can be detrimental to the health of both animals and humans. Although thousands of molds are capable of growing on stored grain, only a few mold species produce mycotoxins.