Preventing Head Blight in Barley, Wheat:Biochemical Pathways Hold Key to Resistance

Despite major research funding--including the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, scientists' have had only limited success in controlling fusarium head blight , a fungal disease that not only dramatically shrinks yields but produces toxins that make the grain dangerous for human or animal consumption. Using advanced genetic and molecular technologies, biologist Yen has begun tracing the biochemical pathways that make wheat susceptible or resistant to head blight. The South Dakota State University researcher believes the key to head blight resistance lies in its ability to block production of two key hormones.

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