THE FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT PATHOSYSTEM - Status and knowledge of its components

摘要

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), or scab, is a fungal disease affecting many smallgrain cereals, but is of most importance on wheat and barley (Nelson et al. 1981).FHB reduces kernel weight and consequently grain yield. The germination rate andseedling vigour are reduced when the seeds are infected. The fungus digests proteinsand starch and the use of infected kernels generates technical problems becauseenzymes and yeast growth are inhibited by by-products of the fungus that preventbread production (Becthel et al. 1985, Saric et al. 1997). Metabolites produced byFusarium species are also the cause of 'gushing' of beer. However, of primaryconcern, is the contamination of grain with mycotoxins produced by several of thespecies associated with FHB. Several of these compounds have been shown to beharmful to human and animal health.