The Mechanisms of Developing Fungicide Resistance in Fusarium graminearum Causing Fusarium Head Blight and Fungicide Resistance Management.

Abstract

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the economically significant diseases in small grains. FHB causes severe damage to wheat production and grain quality. Several management strategies have been developed to control FHB, and chemical control through fungicides plays a significant role. Although fungicides have effectively controlled F. graminearum in the field, the continuous exposure causes a selection pressure in the pathogen population towards fungicide resistance. Several studies have identified fungicide-resistant F. graminearum isolates and fungicide-resistance mechanisms. Although new fungicides with a new mode of action can be introduced into the market, developing a new fungicide is time-consuming, and extra efforts are needed for testing, approvals, and registrations. Therefore, it is essential to strategize the methods to delay the fungicide resistance. This review focuses on the impact of several fungicide applications currently used on FHB, focusing on Fusarium graminearum, the status of the fungicide sensitivity for fungicide classes, the resistance mechanisms against fungicides, and the mitigation strategies to delay the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogen population. Studying the fungicide resistance mechanisms and the mitigation strategies will be helpful in the future to use the available fungicides against F. graminearum without losing its effectiveness.