Wheat Genetic Transformation as Efficient Tools to Fight against Fungal Diseases

Abstract

Abstract:Wheat ranks first among cereal crops cultivated in the world. In its production, diseases like powdery mildew, fusarium head blight and rusts caused by fungal pathogens represent a major problem. They produce different symptoms that cause severe crop damage by infecting the spikes, leaves, roots, stems and grains. They are causing losses both by reducing the quantity of the harvested crop and the quality of the product. Quality problems of the harvested product can be due to shrivelled seed, which are frequently found as a consequence of the infection by leaf pathogens, such as mildews, rusts and Septoria. Fusarium head blight is the major culprit for mycotoxin contamination from the harvested grain, causing economic losses and in the worst casing human and animal health problems. In severe epidemics, all these fungal diseases can significantly reduce yield. Resistance to fungi is beneficial not only from a commercial point of view (yield), but also because of the reduced levels of mycotoxins. The integration of transgenic approaches offers a potential chemical-free and environment-friendly solution for controlling fungal pathogens. This is an essential asset for wheat world food security.