Selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in early generations reduces the deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grain of winter and spring wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) results in yield losses and contamination of kernels by mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON). For minimizing DON content in grain, indirect selection methods would increase gains from selection compared to the costly and time‐consuming DON analysis. The aim of this study was to examine whether an early selection for fewer FHB symptoms would lead to a reduced DON content in grain after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum. Starting with a double‐cross derived population of about 1,100 genotypes, 30 F_1:3 genotypes were selected for FHB rating in a two‐step selection in spring wheat with the non‐adapted resistance sources CM82036 and ‘Frontana’. In winter wheat, 30 F_1:2 genotypes were selected out of a double‐cross derived population of about 600 F₁ plants from crosses with German resistance sources (‘Dream’, G16‐92). Selected genotypes were grouped in three categories according to their FHB rating (low, moderate and high) and analysed afterwards for grain DON content. The three groups differed in their DON content illustrating that indirect selection should already be feasible in the earliest generations. Because of the wide genotypic ranges for DON contents within one grouping, a final DON analysis for selected materials is advisable to achieve full selection gain.     

Different quantitative trait loci for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> resistance in wheat seedlings and adult stage in the Wuhan/Nyubai wheat population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe), is an important wheat disease. In addition to head blight, F. graminearum also causes Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) and produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the relationship between resistance of wheat lines to F. graminearum in the seedlings and spikes and (2) to determine whether the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FSB were the same as QTLs for FHB resistance and DON level reported for the same population previously (Somers et al. 2003). There was no relationship between FSB infection and FHB index or DON content across the population. A single QTL on chromosome 5B that controlled FSB resistance was identified in the population; the marker WMC75 explained 13.8% of the phenotypic variation for FSB. This value implies that there may be other QTL with minor effects present, but they were not detected in the analysis. Such a QTL on chromosome 5B was not reported previously among the QTLs associated with FHB resistance and DON level in this population. However, because of recombination, some lines in the present study have Fusarium resistance for both seedling and head blight simultaneously. For example, DH line HC 450 had the highest level of resistance to FSB and FHB and was among the ten lines with lowest DON content. This line is a good candidate to be used as a parent for future crosses in breeding for Fusarium seedling resistance, together with breeding for head blight resistance. This approach may be effective in increasing overall plant resistance to Fusarium.     

Effects of genotype and genotype—environment interaction on deoxynivalenol accumulation and resistance to Fusarium head blight in rye, triticale, and wheat

Fusarium culmorum is one of the most important Fusarium species causing head blight infections in wheat, rye, and triticale. It is known as a potent mycotoxin producer with deoxynivalenol (DON), 3‐acetyl deoxynivalenol (3‐ADON), and nivalenol (NIV) being the most prevalent toxins. In this study, the effect of winter cereal species, host genotype, and environment on DON accumulation and Fusarium head blight (FHB) was analysed by inoculating 12 rye, eight wheat, and six triticale genotypes of different resistance levels with a DON‐producing isolate at three locations in 2 years (six environments). Seven resistance traits were assessed, including head blight rating and relative plot yield. In addition, ergosterol, DON and 3‐ADON contents in the grain were determined. A growth‐chamber experiment with an artificially synchronized flowering date was also conducted with a subset of two rye, wheat and triticale genotypes. Although rye genotypes were, on average, affected by Fusarium infections much the same as wheat genotypes, wheat accumulated twice as much DON as rye. Triticale was least affected and the grain contained slightly more DON than rye. In the growth‐chamber experiment, wheat and rye again showed similar head blight ratings, but rye had a somewhat lower relative head weight and a DON content nine times lower than wheat (3.9 vs. 35.3 mg/kg). Triticale was least susceptible with a five times lower DON content than wheat. Significant (P = 0.01) genotypic variation for DON accumulation existed in wheat and rye. The differences between and within cereal species in the field experiments were highly influenced by environment for resistance traits and mycotoxin contents. Nevertheless, mean mycotoxin content of the grain could not be associated with general weather conditions in the individual environments. Strong genotype‐environment interactions were found for all cereal species. This was mainly due to three wheat varieties and one rye genotype being environmentally extremely unstable. The more resistant entries, however, showed a higher environmental stability of FHB resistance and tolerance to DON accumulation. Correlations between resistance traits and DON content were high in wheat (P = 0.01), with the most resistant varieties also accumulating less DON, but with variability in rye. In conclusion, the medium to large genotypic variation in wheat and rye offers good possibilities for reducing DON content in the grains by resistance selection. Large confounding effects caused by the environment will require multiple locations and/or years to evaluate FHB resistance and mycotoxin accumulation.     

Resistance to Fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol accumulation in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (telomorph =Gibberella zeae (Schw.)), is an important wheat disease world‐wide. Production of deoxynivalenol (DON) by F. graminearum in infected wheat grain is detrimental to livestock and is also a safety concern in human foods. An international collection of 116 wheat lines was evaluated for FHB resistance and concentration of DON in grain. Plants were inoculated with mixed isolates of F. graminearum in the greenhouse by injecting conidia into a single spikelet of each spike and in the field by scattering F. graminearum‐infected wheat kernels on the soil surface. FHB symptoms were evaluated by visual inspection in both the greenhouse and field, and DON was analysed by HPLC. Significant differences in FHB ratings and DON levels were observed among cultivars. In the greenhouse test, visual symptoms varied from no spread of FHB from the inoculated spikelet to spread throughout the spike, and DON levels ranged from trace levels to 283 mg/kg. In the field test, DON ranged from 2.8 to 52 mg/kg. The greenhouse test identified 16 wheat lines from various origins that accumulated less than 2 mg/kg DON. These lines may be useful as sources for breeding wheat cultivars with lower DON levels. Correlation coefficients were significant between FHB symptom ratings, seed quality traits, and DON levels. Thus, the percentage of scabbed spikelets and kernels can be generally used to predict DON levels in harvested wheat grain. In breeding programmes, selection for plants having few scabbed spikelets and scabbed kernels is most likely to result in low DON levels.     

Expression of the N-terminal 99 Amino Acids of Yeast Ribosomal Protein / L3 in Transgenic Wheat Confers Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight

Fusarium head blight （FHB） is a worldwide disease for wheat or barley. The contamination of important agricultural products with the trichothecene mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol （DON） or 4,15-diacetoxyscirpenol （DAS） produced by Fusarium species poses a major health concern for both human and animals. Transgenic wheat plants expressing a truncated form of yeast ribosomal protein L3 （L3A） are produced via particle gun bombardment. Homozygous lines of transgenic wheat plants display resistance to DON when this mycotoxin is incorporated into the medium in seed germination tests. These transgenic plants are shown to be resistant to Fusarium graminearum infection in greenhouse tests accompanied with reduction in the levels of DON on kernels. The upregulation of the endogenous wheat ribosomal RPL3 gene expressions and the transgene expression of L3A are responsible for the enhanced resistance which correlates with our previous observations in transgenic tobacco plants expressing yeast L3A. Our results demonstrate that yeast L3A can be used to control wheat FHB effectively.     

小麦赤霉病与DON积累的抗性及其相关SSR位点差异

以禾谷镰刀菌(Fusarium graminearum Schwabe)菌株进行穗部喷雾和单花滴注接种,评价了10个小麦抗源的赤霉病和脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇(DON)积累抗性。结果表明,望水白、苏麦3号、延岗坊主、繁60096属于高抗品种,Frontana表现感病,其余品种表现中抗。除Frontata外,所有抗源DON含量在3 mg/kg以下。不同接种方法间、不同致病菌株间的病小穗率和DON含量以及同一处理内的病小穗率和DON含量间呈极显著相关。利用与已报道的赤霉病抗性QTL相关SSR引物对供试材料进行PCR扩增,比较扩增产物等位位点的差异,除4B染色体的GWM113标记外,其余标记在品种间具有2~8个等位位点,多态信息含量为0.14~0.85。单倍型分析表明,延岗坊主具有与望水白一致的3B主效QTL的SSR标记位点,扬麦158和新中长分别在2D和4B上具有多个与武汉1号一致的抗性QTL相关SSR位点,翻山小麦在3B和6B上具有多个与苏麦3号或望水白一致的抗性QTL相关SSR位点,繁60096在2D上有多个与武汉1号一致的QTL相关SSR标记,而镇麦7459和温州红和尚与已报道的小麦赤霉病抗性多数SSR位点不一致,可能具有不同的抗性基因。     

Comparison of rye,triticale, durum wheat and bread wheat genotypes for Fusarium head blight resistance and deoxynivalenol contamination

Small-grain winter cereal crops can be infected with Fusarium head blight (FHB) leading to mycotoxin contamination and reduction in grain weight and quality. Although a number of studies have investigated the genetic variation of genotypes within each small-grain cereal, a systematic comparison of the winter crops rye, triticale, durum and bread wheat for their FHB resistance, Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination across species is still missing. We have therefore evaluated twelve genotypes each of four crops widely varying in their FHB resistance under artificial infection with one DON-producing F. culmorum isolate at constant spore concentrations and additionally at crop-specific concentrations in two environments. Rye and triticale were the most resistant crops to FHB followed by bread and durum wheat at constant and crop-specific spore concentrations. On average, rye accumulated the lowest amount of DON (10.08 mg/kg) in the grains, followed by triticale (15.18 mg/kg) and bread wheat (16.59 mg/kg), while durum wheat had the highest amount (30.68 mg/kg). Genotypic variances within crops were significant (p ≤ .001) in most instances. These results underline the differing importance of breeding for FHB resistance in the different crops.     

Utilization of alien genes to enhance Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat – A review

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive disease of wheat worldwide. Sources of resistance to FHB are limited in wheat. Search for novel sources of effective resistance to this disease has been an urgent need in wheat breeding. Fusarium head blight resistance has been identified in relatives of wheat. Alien chromatin carrying FHB resistance genes has been incorporated into wheat through chromosome addition, substitution, and translocation. Relatives of wheat demonstrate a great potential to enhance resistance of wheat to FHB.     

Characterization of Chinese wheat germplasm for resistance to Fusarium head blight at CIMMYT, Mexico

Fusarium head blight (FHB) poses a challenge for wheat breeders worldwide; there are limited sources of resistance and the genetic basis for resistance is not well understood. In the mid-1980s, a shuttle breeding and germplasm exchange program launched between CIMMYT-Mexico and China, enabled the incorporation of FHB resistance from Chinese bread wheat germplasm into CIMMYT wheat. Most of the Chinese wheat materials conserved in the CIMMYT germplasm bank had not been fully characterized for FHB reaction under Mexican environments, until 2009, when 491 Chinese bread wheat lines were evaluated in a FHB screening nursery in Mexico, and 304 (61.9 %) showed FHB indices below 10 %. Subsequent testing occurred in 2010 for plant height (PH), days to heading (DH), and leaf rust response. In 2012, 140 elite lines with good agronomic types were further evaluated for field FHB reaction and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation. Most of the tested lines showed good resistance: 116 (82.9 %) entries displayed FHB indices lower than 10 %, while 89 (63.6 %) had DON contents lower than 1.0 ppm. Significant negative correlations were observed between FHB traits (FHB index, DON content, and Fusarium damaged kernels) and PH, DH, and anther extrusion. A subset of 102 elite entries was selected for haplotyping using markers linked to 10 well known FHB quantitative trait loci (QTL). 57 % of the lines possessed the same 2DL QTL marker alleles as Wuhan 1 or CJ 9306, and 26.5 % had the same 3BS QTL allele as Sumai 3. The remaining known QTL were of low frequency. These materials, especially those with none of the above tested resistance QTL (26.5 %), could be used in breeding programs as new resistance sources possessing novel genes for FHB resistance and DON tolerance.     

Field evaluation of resistance to kernel infection and mycotoxin accumulation caused by Fusarium head blight in western Japanese wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Fusarium head blight (FHB) remains a serious problem that causes yield and grain quality losses, and mycotoxin accumulation in wheat production in western Japan. A 3-year field trial with artificial FHB inoculation was conducted to evaluate varietal characteristics of FHB resistance among 31 wheat cultivars/lines cultivated in western Japan, including one standard line. Severity of FHB, frequency of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), deoxynivalenol concentration (DON), nivalenol concentration (NIV), and grain yield showed significant differences among years and among cultivars/lines. Interaction between years and cultivars/lines was also significant in these traits, but F values were larger for cultivars/lines than for the interaction. Correlation analysis showed that cultivars/lines with lower FHB severities tended to have lower FDK, DON and NIV, and a higher yield. Resistance to kernel infection (RKI), residuals calculated by regressing FDK against FHB severity, and resistance to mycotoxin accumulation (RTA), residuals calculated by regressing DON + NIV against FDK, also differed significantly among cultivars/lines. These results indicated that varietal differences in response to FHB symptom development, RKI and RTA exist among wheat cultivars/lines in western Japan. Such information is important to aid producers in controlling the disease and for breeders to improve FHB resistance and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in commercial wheat cultivars.     

Fusarium head blight-resistant wheat line 'Bizel' does not contain rye chromatin

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum in North America can result in significant losses in the yield and quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Resistance sources have been largely limited to Chinese germplasm and, in particular, Sumai 3 or its derivatives. In recent years, resistance has been identified in Europe. Previous studies using the wheat line ‘Bizel’, developed in France, have shown that it has resistance to Fusarium head blight. Pedigree information shows that one of its progenitors is rye. This experiment was conducted to determine if ‘Bizel’ has rye chromatin, with the goal of developing a strategy for mapping FHB resistance genes. Two methods based on repetitive DNA sequences specific to rye were implemented. With both approaches, it was demonstrated that ‘Bizel’ does not contain rye chromatin. Consequently, wheat SSRs can be used to map ‘Bizel’ resistance genes for FHB.     

Effect of fungicide and foliar fertilizer application to winter wheat at anthesis on flag leaf senescence, grain yield, flour bread-making quality and DON contamination

In this study, field experiments have been conducted over three growing seasons to evaluate the effect of fungicides (triazoles and strobilurins) and a foliar fertilizer application to winter wheat at anthesis on flag leaf senescence, grain yield, bread-making quality, Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination.Flag leaf greenness was significantly influenced by the fungicide application. A delay in flag leaf senescence following triazole use did not increase grain yield. No effects of fungicide application on protein concentration were recorded. The application of strobilurin to a triazole programme did not significantly delay senescence of the flag leaf or increased yield, compared to the triazole-only application, while a consistent benefit was observed for dough strength (W). The triazole application led to significantly lower FHB symptoms and DON contamination, while the triazole-strobilurin fungicides programme led to an increase in DON contents, that were often higher than the untreated controls.Grain yield and quality were improved when a foliar feed containing macro- and micro-nutrients was added to a triazole fungicide programme, with no additional risk for DON contamination. Compared to the strobilurin fungicide application, the foliar fertilizer led to a longer delay of the flag leaf senescence and higher bread-making quality.     

Molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci for field resistance to Fusarium head blight in a European winter wheat population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), one of the most destructive diseases of wheat in many parts of the world, can reduce the grain quality due to mycotoxin contamination up to rejection for usage as food or feed. Objective of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FHB resistance in the winter wheat population ‘G16‐92’ (resistant)/‘Hussar’. In all, 136 recombinant inbred lines were evaluated in field trials in 2001 and 2002 after spray inoculation with a Fusarium culmorum suspension. The area under disease progress curve was calculated based on the visually scored FHB symptoms. For means across all environments two FHB resistance QTL located on chromosomes 1A, and 2BL were identified. The individual QTL explained 9.7% and 14.1% of the phenotypic variance and together 26.7% of the genetic variance. The resistance QTL on 1A coincided with a QTL for plant height in contrast to the resistance QTL on 2BL that appeared to be independently inherited from morphological characteristics like plant height and ear compactness. Therefore, especially the QTL on 2BL could be of great interest for breeding towards FHB resistance.     

Phenotypic and marker-assisted evaluation of spring and winter wheat germplasm for resistance to fusarium head blight

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium species, is among the most devastating wheat diseases, causing losses in numerous sectors of the grain industry through yield and quality reduction, and the accumulation of poisonous mycotoxins. A germplasm collection of spring and winter wheat, including nine reference cultivars, was tested for Type II FHB resistance and deoxynivalenol (DON) content. Genetic diversity was evaluated on the basis of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers linked to FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers. The allele size of the SSR markers linked to FHB resistance QTLs from known resistance sources was compared to a germplasm collection to determine the presence of these QTLs and to identify potentially novel sources of resistance. Forty-two accessions were identified as resistant or moderately resistant to Fusarium spread, and two also had very low DON concentrations. Genetic relationships among wheat accessions were generally consistent with their geographic distribution and pedigree. SSR analysis revealed that several resistant accessions carried up to four of the tested QTLs. Resistant and moderately resistant lines without any known QTLs are considered to be novel sources of resistance that could be used for further genetic studies.     

A reciprocal backcross monosomic analysis of the scab resistant spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar, 'Frontana'

Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces grain yield of spring wheat and results in deoxynivalenol (DON) production. The resistant spring wheat 'Frontana' could be used to diversify and pyramid resistance. A backcross reciprocal monosomic analysis was conducted to identify 'Frontana' chromosomes with resistance. Disomic lines, one set containing critical chromosomes from 'Frontana' and the other containing chromosomes from susceptible 'Chris', were spray-inoculated and evaluated in separate greenhouse studies (GH-1 and GH-2). Measurements were disease severity at 7 and 14 days, visually diseased kernels, kernels/g and DON content. In GH-2, reciprocal chromosome lines 5B for visually diseased kernels, lines 7B for kernels/g, and lines 4B and 6A for DON content were significantly different. Lines with 'Frontana' chromosomes 3A, 6A and 4D reduced visually diseased kernels, kernels/g and DON content in both studies, while 'Frontana' chromosomes 2A, 2B, 4B and 7B increased susceptibility, as indicated by an increase in these same measurements in both studies. Genes carried on 'Frontana' chromosomes 3A, 6A and 4D could be useful for diversifying and pyramiding sources of FHB resistance.     

Breeding for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat—Progress and challenges

Fusarium head blight is among the most extensively studied fungal diseases of wheat and other small grain cereals due to its impact on yield and quality, but particularly due to its potential to produce mycotoxins, which are harmful to humans and animals. Since our last comprehensive review on QTL mapping and marker-assisted selection for FHB resistance in wheat in 2009, numerous studies have been conducted to identify, validate or fine-map resistance QTL. The main aim of this review is to update and summarize findings on FHB resistance breeding of wheat published during the last decade. Furthermore, we compiled a user-friendly table listing FHB resistance QTL data providing a valuable resource for further FHB resistance research. The role of morphological and phenological traits on FHB resistance and possible consequences for resistance breeding are discussed. This review concentrates current knowledge on breeding for FHB resistance and suggests strategies to enhance resistance by deploying molecular breeding methods, including marker-assisted and genomic selection.     

Correlation between Fusarium head blight severity and DON content in triticale as revealed by phenotypic and molecular data

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) results in yield losses and mycotoxin contamination, for example, by deoxynivalenol (DON). This study aimed to analyse the correlation between FHB severity and DON content in a DH population of 146 entries across environments. Additionally, Fusarium damaged kernel (FDK) rating, heading stage and plant height were recorded. Highly significant (P < 0.001) genotypic variances were found throughout, but also significant (P < 0.001) genotype–environment interaction variances occurred. Correlation between FHB severity and heading stage or plant height was low (r = 0.144 and r = ?0.153, P < 0.10). A prediction of DON content from FHB severity or FDK rating is not possible caused by low correlations (r = 0.315 and 0.572, respectively, P < 0.001). A common quantitative trait locus (QTL) for all FHB‐related traits was found on wheat chromosome 2A being of minor importance for FHB severity, but of high importance for DON content and FDK rating. Another QTL on rye chromosome 5R was more important for FHB severity. In conclusion, DON content has to be measured in triticale after selection for FHB severity to gain for healthy and mycotoxin‐reduced feed.     

普通小麦籽粒DON含量的配合力分析

为了选育抗赤霉病且籽粒毒素含量低的小麦品种以减轻赤霉病危害,在对我国南方麦区地方品种进行赤霉病抗性鉴定的基础上,选用8个籽粒中脱氧雪腐镰刀菌烯醇（deoxynivalenol, DON）含量水平不同的小麦品种作亲本,按8×8半双列杂交配制28个杂交组合,以接种后成熟籽粒中DON含量、病小穗数、病小穗率和病粒率为指标,进行赤霉病抗性、一般配合力（GCA）和特殊配合力（SCA）遗传分析,以及不同鉴定指标间比较和相关性分析。结果表明,8个品种中籽粒DON含量以苏麦3号最低(0.5715 mg kg^-1),Alondra’s最高(13.5560 mg kg^-1),各组合F1的籽粒DON含量均低于感病品种Alondra’s。品种间GCA和SCA存在显著差异,籽粒DON含量以加性效应为主,存在部分显性效应。苏麦3号、望水白和翻山小麦表现出较好的一般配合力效应。以苏麦3号为亲本的5个组合、望水白为亲本的4个组合特殊配合力效应较大。扬麦158一般配合力效应较小,但有4个组合表现较好的特殊配合力效应。籽粒DON含量和病小穗数、病小穗率、病粒率呈极显著的正相关关系。感病品种Alondra’s和绵阳8545的各个抗性鉴定指标的一般配合力在8个品种的排序中表现一致,抗病品种各个抗性指标的一般配合力在8个参试材料间的排序有所差异。DON含量的狭义遗传力为74.54%,因此以抗DON积累为指标的赤霉病抗性育种,可以在早期世代进行选择。     

Evaluation of environmental and management effects on Fusarium head blight infection and deoxynivalenol concentration in the grain of winter wheat

During the past decade European wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops were increasingly affected by Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection and high deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration in the grain. This is discussed to be primarily caused by the application of conservation tillage practices and, simultaneously, enhanced cultivation of host crops such as maize and wheat.

This study investigated the effect of several environmental and management factors on DON formation and, particularly, interactions between factors. Moreover, a methodology was developed to quantify the relative effect of single factors, and combinations of two or more management factors on the DON concentration in order to evaluate management strategies with regard to their potential effect on DON formation.

In 2001 and 2002, FHB infection of wheat and DON concentration in the grain was determined on eight sites of a long-term on-farm tillage experiment located in southern and eastern Germany. In addition, three-factorial plot trials varying tillage, cultivar, and fungicide application were conducted at Goettingen, Lower Saxony, in 2001 and 2002.

Based on these data, the severity of the effect of year, preceding crop, tillage, wheat cultivar and fungicide application was calculated as follows: mean DON value of the treatment with the highest DON concentration obtained in the study divided by the lowest treatment mean value. For each influencing factor the calculation was done on average of the other factors included. The following ranking order was obtained: annual variation of rainfall during wheat anthesis (4.4) = Fusarium infection/susceptibility of the preceding crop (wheat versus sugar beet, 4.3) = Fusarium susceptibility of the wheat cultivar grown (4.3–5.6) > soil tillage applied to cultivate wheat (1.3–3.4) ≥ fungicide application at anthesis of wheat (2.1). The relative effect of combinations of two or more management factors on the DON concentration can be calculated by multiplying severity factors. Limitations of this method are due to strong interactions between some of the factors (e.g. cultivar × fungicide application, cultivar × tillage). Within tillage treatments shallow mixing conservation tillage increased the DON concentration only slightly compared to conventional mouldboard ploughing, if previous wheat straw soil cover was reduced to about 30%. In this case, the severity of the effect of tillage was much smaller compared to year, preceding crop, and cultivar. Data also reveal that FHB infection values counted in the field do not give a reliable prediction of the DON concentration.

It is concluded, that choosing a resistant cultivar is a powerful tool to ensure a low DON concentration in wheat grain even under highly infectious conditions. This strategy enables farmers to make use of the benefits of conservation tillage and, simultaneously, produce high quality wheat grain.     

Effect of 3B, 5A and 3A QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance on agronomic and quality performance of Canadian winter wheat

The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) the correlations between Fusarium head blight (FHB) index, deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and percentage of Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK) with agronomic and quality traits and (ii) the effect associated with the presence of single QTLs for FHB resistance on agronomic and quality traits in winter wheat. The population was derived from the cross between ‘RCATL33' (FHB resistance derived from ‘Sumai 3’ and ‘Frontana’) and ‘RC Strategy’. Parental lines and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were genotyped with SSR markers associated with the 3B, 5A and 3A QTLs. The population was planted in FHB‐inoculated nurseries and in agronomy trials. Lines in the 3B QTL class had the lowest FHB index, DON content and FDK level and did not have a significantly lower yield, thousand kernel weight or protein content compared with the lines grouped in other QTL classes (including no QTL class). Marker‐assisted selection of the 3B QTL for FHB resistance into high‐yielding FHB‐susceptible winter wheat is the recommended approach for the development of lines with increased FHB resistance without significant yield and quality penalties.