Combatting Fusarium head blight: advances in molecular interactions between Fusarium graminearum and wheat

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most devastating diseases in wheat and barley worldwide. In addition to causing severe yield losses, F. graminearum produces deoxynivalenol (DON), a trichothecene mycotoxin which is harmful to human health and serves as an important virulence factor. Currently, changes in global climate and tillage systems have made FHB epidemics more frequent and severe. During the past decade, considerable efforts have been deployed to reveal the pathogenic mechanisms of F. graminearum, identify resistance genes in wheat, and breed FHB-resistant varieties. In this review, we highlight recent advances in FHB pathogenesis, F. graminearum-wheat interaction, and wheat defense mechanisms. This review contains four main sections: (1) signal sensing and transduction associated with the pathogenesis of F. graminearum; (2) regulation and functions of DON during wheat infection; (3) roles of F. graminearum-secreted enzymes and effectors in facilitating pathogen infection of wheat; (4) wheat components involved in interactions with F. graminearum. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular interactions between F. graminearum and wheat will contribute to the development of novel and efficient strategies for controlling FHB.