MAS for FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT - Development through marker assisted selection for commercial varieties of common wheat resistant to Fusarium Head Blight for a variety of end uses

Mas for Fusarium Head Blight Since 1995, the pathology of Fusarium head blight has been permanently present in Italy, causing varying amounts of damage depending on the year, area and variety of cultivation. In the varieties currently cultivated in Italy and Europe, there is no real resistance to Fusarium head blight. On the other hand, some varieties, mainly of Chinese origin, but also Brazilian and Japanese, are known to have very high levels of resistance to Fusarium. However, these varieties also have negative agronomic characteristics, making them unsuitable for cultivation in Italy. Some cultivation practices can reduce disease, but not totally control it, so that the constitution of new varieties with a high level of genetic resistance to Fusarium remains the most effective approach. For this reason considerable research resources are being devoted to this problem world-wide, in order to identify ways of selecting resistant varieties. In fact, it is important to note that relying only on traditional selection methods in the field is not very effective, because the disease strongly depends on environmental conditions. Società Produttori Sementi (PSB) has pioneered an innovative approach to selection, exploiting the possibilities available to research world-wide for assisted selection by molecular markers (Marker Assisted Selection - MAS). The project aims to combine MAS with traditional techniques, such as artificial inoculation in controlled environments and in the field, in order to select the most resistant lines of common wheat. Particular attention will also be given to selection for a low DON content, a mycotoxin produced by secondary metabolism of the fungus, with damaging effects to health.