Why RGB Imaging Should be Used to Analyze Fusarium Graminearum Growth and Estimate Deoxynivalenol Contamination

Abstract

Size-based fungal growth studies are limited because they do not provide information about the mold’s state of maturity, and measurements such as radius and diameter are not practical if the fungus grows irregularly. Furthermore, the current methods used to detect diseases such as Fusarium head blight (FHB) or mycotoxin contamination are labor-intensive and time consuming. FHB is frequently detected through visual examination and the results can be subjective, depending on the skills and experience of the analyzer. For toxin determination (e.g., deoxynivalenol (DON), the best methods are expensive, not practical for routine. RGB (red, green and blue) imaging analysis is a viable alternative that is inexpensive, easy to use and seemingly better if enhanced with statistical methods. This short communication explains why RGB imaging analysis should be used instead of size-based variables as a tool to measure growth of Fusarium graminearum and DON concentration.