The Global Fusarium Initiative For International Collaboration

Fusarium head blight (FHB) on small-grain cereals is one of the most devastating diseases. Several species can cause head blight, though Fusarium graminearum is the predominant pathogen in most regions. F. graminearum is one of the most intensively studied fungal plant pathogens. This book presents the current state of knowledge regarding mycological aspects that make wheat-Fusarium interaction, such as hyphal growth, morphogenesis in germinating spores, visualization of enzymatic hydrolysis, production of mycotoxins, inhibition of the hyphal growth by antagonist microorganisms, use of natural substances or by modification of the host resistance, as well as genetic analysis and expression of genes that regulate the infection. Fungal ecology and epidemiology will also be discussed. Just as the analysis of environmental requirements for the establishment of the disease, the use of forecasts of disease risk with meteorological base and integrated management and control. This book includes the study of disease in Latin America, therefore will be of interest to researchers who are working on the issue, as for those who are interested in knowing about the disease.

The Wheat Improvement, Management, and Utilization book covers some of the most recent research areas that touch on enhancement of wheat productivity. It is obvious that wheat is one of the major staple crops grown globally. This crop has widely been researched on considering that, for instance, it is afflicted by various abiotic and biotic stresses that limit its growth and productivity. Today?s goal of wheat improvement consistently is to develop varieties that are high yielding with good processing and technological qualities, well adapted and tolerant to prevailing biotic and abiotic stresses. Therefore, this is a valuable reference book on wheat improvement, agronomy, and end-use qualities, particularly for those who work in research organizations and higher academic institutions. Moreover, it provides an invaluable resource for readers interested in a quick review of trending topics in wheat.

This volume covers the high relevance of fungi for agriculture. It is a completely updated and revised second edition with fourteen excellent chapters by leading scientists in their fields and offers a comprehensive review of the latest achievements and developments. Topics include: Food and fodder; fungal secondary metabolites and detoxification; biology, disease control and management; symbiontic fungi and mycorrhiza; and phytopathogenicity.

Mycotoxins are made by different biosynthetic pathways, and they have an extremely wide range of pharmacological effects. This book will update readers on several cutting-edge aspects of mycotoxin research, including topics such as: new analytical methods for detection; the adoption of an ancient Mexican process for detoxification of aflatoxins; mycotoxin management in Ireland, Lithuania and South America; mycotoxin reduction through plant breeding and integrated management practices; and natural aflatoxin inhibitors from medicinal plants. Further contributions examine ochratoxins, selected trichothecenes, zearalenone, and aflatoxin-like gene clusters, as well as sclerotial development in Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Of particular interest are the chapters on the potential use of mycotoxins as bioweapons. This book will stimulate new thinking on the need to develop therapeutic as well as preventative interventions to reduce the toxicological threat of mycotoxins.

Cereal grain safety from farm to table Mycotoxin Reduction in Grain Chains examines the ways in which food producers, inspectors, and processors can keep our food supply safe. Providing guidance on identification, eradication, and prevention at each stop on the "grain chain, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone who works with cereal grains. Discussions include breeding and crop management, chemical control, contamination prediction, and more for maize, wheat, sorghum, rice, and other major grains. Relevant and practical in the field, the lab, and on the production floor, this book features critical guidance for every point from farm to table.

The papers herein are volume 3 of the proceedings of the 11th International Wheat Genetics Symposium, held in Brisbane, Australia, in 2008. The series presents the science of the genetic sciences applied to bread and durum wheats and other species.