Treatment and Management of Fusarium Disease in Wheat - Hardcover

by Valentina Spanic (Guest Editor), Hrvoje Sarčevic (Guest Editor)

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by several Fusarium species-mainly Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. avenaceum-is a devastating disease of wheat which reduces both grain yield and quality. FHB affects the grain protein content by destroying starch granules, storage proteins, and cell walls and consequently decreases the quality of dough properties. It is also associated with mycotoxin contamination and is a significant threat to animal and human health. Furthermore, Fusarium spp. affect plant development and trigger different morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes. Current climate change scenarios predict an increase in the number of epidemics caused by this disease, and many different strategies for disease control are currently being researched. This Special Issue aims to detail the latest achievements regarding Fusarium disease in wheat, including the genetics or physiology of resistance, resistance mechanisms, host-pathogen interactions, and agronomic approaches in the field (fungicidal management, the integration of host resistance and fungicides, and the timing of fungicide application). Original research, reviews, and opinions on recent advances in strategies for the control of Fusarium disease in wheat were also welcome.