Host-induced gene silencing: an effective control strategy against Fusarium species

Fusarium , a genus of Pezizomycotina, consists of approximately 300 species. Some species like F. graminearum, F. oxysporum , F. proliferatum, F. solani and F. verticillioides are phytopathogenic and cause Fusarium head blight or Fusarium wilt. Fusarium species produce mycotoxins, which are of particular relevance in wheat, barley and maize . One of the latest and effective control strategies to combat these pathogens is based on silencing of essential genes by host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Recently, several researchers have successfully silenced important genes encoding cytochrome P450 , chitin synthase , protein kinases and others in F . graminearum, F. oxysporum, F. culmorum and F. verticillioides, leading to reduced mycotoxin production. In this review we will cover reports indicating HIGS as a powerful tool for the control of Fusarium spp. infections in plants.