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What is Fusarium graminearum, the fungus a Chinese scientist pleaded guilty to smuggling into the US?

Wheat and corn with fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum infection on wheat and corn (Photo By: Martin Chilvers/Michigan State University)

11/12/2025
By: Tom W. Allen

Fusarium graminearum is a common fungal plant pathogen that creates problems for farmers across the U.S.

It causes a disease in barley and wheat called Fusarium head blight, or scab. It can also damage rice and rot corn ears and stalks. In severe cases, scab could cut a farm's yield by 45%.