Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) or scab caused by Fusarium graminearum is a major threat to wheat production in China as well as in the world. To combat this disease, multiple efforts have been carried out internationally. In this article, we review our long-time effort in identifying the resistance genes and dissecting the resistance mechanisms by both forward and reverse genetics approaches in the last two decades. We present recent progress in resistance QTL identification, candidate functional gene discovery, marker-assisted improvement of FHB resistant varieties, and findings in investigating association of signal molecules, such as Ca++, SA, JA, and ET, with FHB response, with the assistance from rapidly growing genomics platforms. The information will be helpful for designing novel and efficient approaches to curb FHB.
