Perspectives on the specific targeting of Fusarium graminearum for the development of alternative head blight treatment approaches

Diseases of agricultural crops caused by fungi have devastating economic and health effects. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most damaging diseases of wheat and other small grain cereals. FHB reduces agricultural yield while also affecting food supply and safety through deposition of toxins (mycotoxins/phytotoxins). Control of FHB growth and toxin accumulation in grains remain major challenges. While the ultimate goal in the battle against FHB is the development of resistant wheat varieties, the actual use of fully resistant plants that preclude any need for treatment with fungicides remains out of sight. Current antifungals being applied against FHB are generally azole-based inhibitors. However, usage of these azole-based fungicides is being complicated by the facts that these are active only during specific short-lived developmental time periods, fungi are developing increased resistance to them and they are having significant environmental impacts. As such, there is a great need for more targeted, specific and effective antifungal agents to address the significant threat of FHB. This review provides an overview of some of the more promising fungal targets that are currently being investigated for antifungal development.