Mycovirus strain FgV1-SD4 eliminates deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin) production by the wheat scab fungus Fusarium graminearum

A novel strain of Fusarium graminearum virus 1 (FgV1-SD4), a virus of the fungus rather than a bacteriophage, was the only mycovirus found in an F. graminearum isolate with significantly reduced virulence on wheat. No deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) was detected in seeds infected by that isolate versus about 18 ppm with the virus-free isolate; the authors say the strain or parts of its genome could be developed as a biocontrol agent against Fusarium head blight (Microorganisms, 2022).