Targeted silencing of multiple Fusarium graminearum genes via graphene quantum dots enhances RNAi-based control of Fusarium head blight in wheat

Authors: BINOD, GYAWALI - Purdue University; YANHONG, DONG - University Of Minnesota; RAHIM, RAHIMI - Purdue University; Helm, Matthew; MOHAMMADI, MOHSEN - Purdue University

Submitted to: Plant Biotechnology Journal
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2026
Publication Date: 5/25/2026
Citation: Binod, G., Yanhong, D., Rahimi, R., Helm, M.D., Mohammadi, M. 2026. Targeted silencing of multiple Fusarium graminearum genes via graphene quantum dots enhances RNAi-based control of Fusarium head blight in wheat. Plant Biotechnology Journal. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plana.2026.100308.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plana.2026.100308

Interpretive Summary: Plant pathogens are responsible for substantial crop losses and thus pose a significant threat to achieving global food security sustainably. However, crop yield losses from plant diseases can be limited using modern crop protection strategies including breeding for genetically superior crop plant varieties and applying synthetic agrochemicals (e.g. fungicides) to suppress pathogen pressure. Though these approaches are effective, current industrial agricultural practices select for mutations in pathogens that enable them to overcome these resistance traits or chemical treatments, rendering them ineffective against the pathogen. Moreover, fungal pathogens are evolving resistance to several commercially available fungicides conventionally used to control them. One such fungal pathogen, Fusarium graminearum, causes a devastating disease called Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) in cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and maize. FHB disease in wheat is a serious threat to global wheat production. To this end, all major cereal-growing regions have reported a re-emergence of Fusarium epidemics, including the United States, Europe, Canada, China, and Latin America. Therefore, novel modes of resistance to FHB disease are needed to prevent significant losses in wheat and other crops. In this proof-of-concept study, we bioengineered wheat in such a way to express and transfer specialized molecules, called siRNAs, to Fusarium graminearum during infection. In doing so, these molecules suppressed Fusarium graminearum growth and spread in wheat, thereby preventing wheat yield loss.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium graminearum is a devastating fungus that causes Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat. Currently, chemical fungicides remain the major component of FHB disease control, which carries risks to human health and the environment. Use of exogenous dsRNA to induce RNAi against pathogens genes, is effective and sustainable for the control of FHB. In this study, we investigated the in-vitro and in-vivo effects of dsRNA application on growth and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum using Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) as nanocarrier. For the design and production of dsRNA, we selected eight genes from F. graminearum (FgMGV1, FgRAS1, FgCOT1, FgPp2A, FgCAK1, FgTRI5, FgGMK1, and FgYCK1), which have previously been identified to have a functional role in fungal growth or pathogenicity. The inhibitory effect of dsRNA on fungal growth in the SNA liquid culture media showed the lowering fungal biomass by almost half while the mycelial growth of Fg on plate was also highly inhibited with distinct inhibition zones. In planta dsRNA spray in the Fusarium inoculated plants also showed the significant reduction of the percent symptomatic spikelets (PSS) by 20-25% as compared to control. We also evaluated the effect of dsRNA on lowering the accumulation of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) post-infection. We have provided the first example of utilizing graphene quantum dots, for the delivery of dsRNA in SIGS applications in wheat against Fg. Further optimization of delivery systems for improving the uptake of pathogens efficiency should be done before commercial use of RNA-based disease management in fields.