Natural variation in TaRFR1-5B modulates Fusarium head blight resistance via recognition of pTaRIN1-like in wheat

Abstract Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal disease that significantly threatens the yield and quality of wheat production worldwide. However, the genetic basis of FHB resistance remains unclear. Using a genome-wide association study in a natural population of common wheat, we identified a coiled-coil (CC)-NBS-LRR protein, TaRFR1-5B, that participates in resistance against FHB. Natural variation in TaRFR1-5B alters its binding affinity to the immune-regulatory protein TaRIN1-like and affects plant resistance to FHB. In common wheat, TaRFR1-5B recognizes phosphorylated TaRIN1-like, which regulates the reactive oxygen species burst and cell death response. Our findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms of TaRFR1-5B–TaRIN1-like in wheat FHB resistance, demonstrating its potential for improving resistance in wheat breeding.