Selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in early generations reduces the deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grain of winter and spring wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) results in yield losses and contamination of kernels by mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON). For minimizing DON content in grain, indirect selection methods would increase gains from selection compared to the costly and time-consuming DON analysis. The aim of this study was to examine whether an early selection for fewer FHB symptoms would lead to a reduced DON content in grain after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum. Starting with a double-cross derived population of about 1,100 genotypes, 30 F-1:3 genotypes were selected for FHB rating in a two-step selection in spring wheat with the non-adapted resistance sources CM82036 and 'Frontana'. In winter wheat, 30 F-1:2 genotypes were selected out of a double-cross derived population of about 600 F-1 plants from crosses with German resistance sources ('Dream', G16-92). Selected genotypes were grouped in three categories according to their FHB rating (low, moderate and high) and analysed afterwards for grain DON content. The three groups differed in their DON content illustrating that indirect selection should already be feasible in the earliest generations. Because of the wide genotypic ranges for DON contents within one grouping, a final DON analysis for selected materials is advisable to achieve full selection gain.