A database of RNA profiles comparing susceptible and resistant wheat infected with Fusarium graminearum

Diseases caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (Fg; teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schw.) Petch) constitute one of the major problems in cereal crops grown in temperate climates worldwide. Fg can cause severe epidemics of fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and barley, and gibberella ear rot in maize, as well as seedling blights and stalk rot (Goswami and Kistler, 2004). In addition to causing significant yield losses, Fg produces mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, which affect grain quality and present health hazards for both humans and animals (CAST 2003). There are also concerns that deoxynivalenol, which is a strong protein synthesis inhibitor, might affect the plant’s ability to respond to Fg infection.