Fusarium head blight of wheat: current knowledge on associated species and their mycotoxins, pathogenicity diversity, and management strategies

Abstract

This study aims to collect comprehensive research findings on Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease, where the host plant, wheat, was discussed in terms of its economic importance worldwide and then in Algeria, followed by addressing the economic significance of the disease in terms of its impact on both the yield and the health quality of the grain. After that, the causative agents were addressed, including the most important species of the Fusarium genus, its geographical distribution, life cycle, and, finally, the most essential methods used in identification. Research was also done on the study of the essential mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species in terms of their types and chemical composition. On the other hand, various strategies for controlling FHB were discussed, such as searching for resistant wheat varieties, cultural, chemical, biological, and possible integrated control.