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The resistance mechanisms of Fusarium graminearum to fungicides
Z. MA (1). (1) Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by <i>F. graminearum </i>(Fg) and several other <i>Fusarium spp. is a devastating disease of cereal crops which can cause huge losses in epidemic years. In addition to the yield loss caused by the disease, the contamination of infected grains with mycotoxins poses a serious threat to human and animal health. Despite the high economic impact of FHB, efficient strategies for the management of FHB have not been well developed. One primary method for management of FHB is through the application of fungicides during wheat anthesis, the time of primary infection. Thus, in this presentation, I will review some of our recent advances in i) monitoring fungicide resistance in Fg in China; ii) resistance mechanisms of Fg to several major classes of fungicides including benzimidazoles, demethylation inhibitors, and a novel compound JS399-19. It is very interesting that JS399-19 shows highly inhibitory activity towards some Fusarium species, but not to other fungi. To explore the mode of action of this species-specific compound, we conducted a whole-genome transcript profiling together with genetic and biochemical assays, and discovered for the first time that JS399-19 targets the Fg myosin I protein. Point mutations in Fg myosin I is responsible for the resistance of Fg to JS399-19. Finally, I will discuss the strategy for management of fungicide resistance in FHB.</i>

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