Fusarium-Produced Mycotoxins in Plant-Pathogen Interactions

Pathogens belonging to the <i>Fusarium</i> genus are causal agents of the most significant crop diseases worldwide. Virtually all <i>Fusarium</i> species synthesize toxic secondary metabolites, known as mycotoxins; however, the roles of mycotoxins are not yet fully understood. To understand how a fungal partner alters its lifestyle to assimilate with the plant host remains a challenge. The review presented the mechanisms of mycotoxin biosynthesis in the <i>Fusarium</i> genus under various environmental conditions, such as pH, temperature, moisture content, and nitrogen source. It also concentrated on plant metabolic pathways and cytogenetic changes that are influenced as a consequence of mycotoxin confrontations. Moreover, we looked through special secondary metabolite production and mycotoxins specific for some significant fungal pathogens-plant host models. Plant strategies of avoiding the <i>Fusarium</i> mycotoxins were also discussed. Finally, we outlined the studies on the potential of plant secondary metabolites in defense reaction to <i>Fusarium</i> infection.