Fusarium Head Blight on Wheat: Biology, Modern Detection and Diagnosis and Integrated Disease Management

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major threat for wheat production worldwide. Most
reviews focus on Fusarium graminearum as a main causal agent of FHB. However, different Fusarium
species are involved in this disease complex. These species differ in their geographic adaptation and
mycotoxin profile. The incidence of FHB epidemics is highly correlated with weather conditions,
especially rainy days with warm temperatures at anthesis and an abundance of primary inoculum.
Yield losses due to the disease can reach up to 80% of the crop. This review summarizes the Fusarium
species involved in the FHB disease complex with the corresponding mycotoxin profiles, disease
cycle, diagnostic methods, the history of FHB epidemics, and the management strategy of the disease.
In addition, it discusses the role of remote sensing technology in the integrated management of the
disease. This technology can accelerate the phenotyping process in the breeding programs aiming at
FHB-resistant varieties. Moreover, it can support the decision-making strategies to apply fungicides
via monitoring and early detection of the diseases under field conditions. It can also be used for
selective harvest to avoid mycotoxin-contaminated plots in the field.