Results of long-term field studies into the effect of strobilurin containing fungicides on the production of mycotoxins in several winter wheat varieties

In total, 23 field trials have been performed during the past 5 years to assess the effect of strobilurin containing fungicides on mycotoxin production in winter wheat. In 85% of the plots, the treatment with strobilurins at growth stages before blossom increased the content of deoxynivalenol in comparison with untreated controls. This effect was intensified by treatments at BBCH stage 45-49 and could be demonstrated in a great number of various cultivars. Application of strobilurin containing fungicides at early growth stages seems to be a risk factor for mycotoxin formation in wheat, especially under favourable conditions for Fusarium infections.