Integrated strategies for managing Fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol contamination in wheat

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is economically the most important wheat disease, causing yield and quality losses. Fungal species from the genus Fusarium are the main causative agents of FHB, with Fusarium graminearum as the predominant species. F. graminearum synthesizes more different secondary metabolites (mycotoxins). In wheat, the most studied mycotoxins are trichothecenes and zearalenone produced by F. graminearum. Trichothecene deoxynivalenol (DON) and its acetylated forms 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) are the most detected in wheat grains. Strategies for controlling FHB and DON in wheat includе different preharvest and postharvest measures, emphasizing integrated approaches. The main aim of this review was to present some preharvest and postharvest strategies for integrated FHB management in wheat production.