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Influence of Light Spectrum on Bread Wheat Head Colonization by Fusarium graminearum and on the Accumulation of Its Secondary Metabolites

Summary

Researchers studied how different colors of light affect a fungal disease in wheat and the toxic compounds it produces. They found that blue light reduces disease spread but increases toxin production, while red light also reduces disease but increases different types of toxins. This discovery could help farmers better manage wheat diseases by understanding how light conditions affect both the fungus and the grain’s safety.

Background

Light influences mycotoxin production and plant defense responses to fungal pathogens. Previous studies demonstrated light’s effect on Fusarium graminearum secondary metabolite production in vitro, but limited research exists on in planta conditions in field crops.

Objective

To assess the effect of different light wavelengths (red, blue, blue/red, and white) on F. graminearum colonization and secondary metabolite accumulation in bread wheat heads under controlled conditions.

Results

Blue and red light wavelengths reduced F. graminearum infection compared to white light, but had opposite effects on mycotoxin production. Blue light enhanced sesquiterpene mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), while red light promoted polyketide compounds including aurofusarin and zearalenone. Blue light also stimulated DON glycosylation.

Conclusion

The light spectrum significantly influences both F. graminearum colonization and secondary metabolite biosynthesis in wheat, with blue wavelengths promoting sesquiterpene toxins and red wavelengths promoting polyketide compounds. These findings suggest light quality could be manipulated to manage mycotoxin contamination in wheat production.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40648022, DOI: 10.3390/plants14132013
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