What Is Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Resistance and What Are Its Food Safety Risks in Wheat? Problems and Solutions—A Review

What Is Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Resistance and What Are Its Food Safety Risks in Wheat? Problems and Solutions—A Review

8 January 2024 | Akos Mesterhazy
The article discusses the complex issue of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance in wheat and its implications for food safety. FHB, caused by various *Fusarium* species, is a significant threat to wheat production, leading to yield losses and quality issues due to toxin contamination. The term "FHB resistance" is often used without clear evidence, and the resistance mechanisms are not well understood. The article highlights that resistance types are not independent variables but rather components that evolve with disease and epidemic development. It emphasizes the need to consider multitoxin contamination, as multiple toxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), can be present in wheat, posing significant food safety risks. The author argues that resistance to different *Fusarium* species is connected, and breeding programs should focus on developing resistance to multiple species rather than targeting specific ones. The resistance components are categorized into overall resistance, spreading resistance, grain development and ripening resistance, DON accumulation resistance, and tolerance. The article suggests that resistance to one species may not guarantee resistance to others, and the presence of multiple resistant genes is crucial. The review also discusses the challenges of multitoxin analysis, the importance of understanding the interactions between different toxins, and the need for updated testing methodologies. It concludes that the current resistance levels in winter and spring wheat are high, thanks to sophisticated fungicide control and breeding strategies, which provide better food safety. However, the problem of multitoxin contamination remains a significant concern, and further research is needed to improve resistance and reduce toxin levels in wheat.The article discusses the complex issue of Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance in wheat and its implications for food safety. FHB, caused by various *Fusarium* species, is a significant threat to wheat production, leading to yield losses and quality issues due to toxin contamination. The term "FHB resistance" is often used without clear evidence, and the resistance mechanisms are not well understood. The article highlights that resistance types are not independent variables but rather components that evolve with disease and epidemic development. It emphasizes the need to consider multitoxin contamination, as multiple toxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), can be present in wheat, posing significant food safety risks. The author argues that resistance to different *Fusarium* species is connected, and breeding programs should focus on developing resistance to multiple species rather than targeting specific ones. The resistance components are categorized into overall resistance, spreading resistance, grain development and ripening resistance, DON accumulation resistance, and tolerance. The article suggests that resistance to one species may not guarantee resistance to others, and the presence of multiple resistant genes is crucial. The review also discusses the challenges of multitoxin analysis, the importance of understanding the interactions between different toxins, and the need for updated testing methodologies. It concludes that the current resistance levels in winter and spring wheat are high, thanks to sophisticated fungicide control and breeding strategies, which provide better food safety. However, the problem of multitoxin contamination remains a significant concern, and further research is needed to improve resistance and reduce toxin levels in wheat.
Reach us at info@study.space