Characterization of Resistance in Iraqi Wheat Cultivars to Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. graminearum Under Field Conditions

Background This study tests the differential susceptibility of some Iraqi wheat cultivars towards FCR and FHB, to find out the tolerant varieties, and facilitate the breeding program, which hopefully admits greater productivity, grain safety, and food security. Objective To evaluate the resistance of twelve Iraqi wheat cultivars under field conditions against both FCR and FHB, and identify genotypes with dual resistance and yield stability. Methods Field trials were conducted in three Iraqi regions over two seasons using a randomized complete block design, with inoculation at tillering (FCR) and flowering (FHB), respectively. Evaluated were disease severity, FHB indices, grain yield, and thousand-grain weight. Results Tell Afar-2 and L14-22 rotated in Egypt showed the highest resistance (FCR DSI: 18.3% and 19.6%; FHB: 29.8% and 24.1%) with acceptable % yield losses (13.6–15.5% loss of yield), while Samarra-1 and Kani landrace were > 50% DI and > 35% loss of yield. Disease severity was strongly correlated with yield, with r = − 0.83 for FCR and − 0.79 for FHB (p < 0.001). Conclusion They identified resistant, agronomically stable cultivars in field trials, and recommend that further screening for dual resistance in a field be done for the best sustainable disease management in Iraq.