The growth, development and infection process of the plant pathogen Fusarium

The genus Fusarium includes some of the most detrimental pathogenic fungi to crops, significantly impacting cereal growth and food production. It causes devastating diseases such as banana wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum. Beyond causing substantial yield losses, Fusarium species produce various mycotoxins that pose serious risks to crop safety and human health. Recent advances in genome sequencing have uncovered numerous genes involved in secondary metabolism, hyphal development, reproduction, and virulence mechanisms in Fusarium. This review summarizes current knowledge on the growth, development, and pathogenesis of the Fusarium, with a focus on F. oxysporum and F. graminearum. Elucidating these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted fungicides and innovative management strategies to control Fusarium diseases, thereby reducing their agricultural and health impacts.