Phytomicronutrients in Cereals: Resistance to Fusarium and Mycotoxin Accumulation

Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides cause ear rot in European cereals and produce harmful mycotoxins such as type B trichothecenes and fumonisins. Breeding resistant varieties requires understanding plant defense mechanisms that reduce toxin levels through two pathways: metabolic transformation into less toxic compounds and inhibition of mycotoxin biosynthesis. This review synthesizes the latest research on specific phytomicronutrients present in cereal grains—particularly antioxidants—that regulate fungal toxin production and enhance plant resistance to Fusarium infections, offering insights for developing cereal genotypes with minimal mycotoxin contamination.