Characterization of Resistance Sources to Fusarium Head Blight in Durum Wheat

The paper presents a detailed evaluation of Fusarium head blight resistance in durum wheat. Field trials and spikelet inoculations with multiple Fusarium species were paired with qPCR quantification of the TRI5 gene to measure fungal colonization. Populations of T. turgidum dicoccum showed the highest levels of Type 2 resistance—slow necrosis progression. One accession, TRI2215, combined strong resistance with suboptimal height and maturity, prompting QTL mapping efforts. The study also profiles six major Fusarium species, links deoxynivalenol accumulation to fungal DNA content, and notes phenolic compounds’ role in plant defense.