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Trichoderma gamsii 6085 is known for its features as antagonist, mycoparasite and competitor on natural substrates of mycotoxigenic Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum. This beneficial isolate is also able to significantly reduce deoxynivalenol (DON) production by these pathogens. In the present study, the ability of T. gamsii 6085 to grow in the presence of DON was investigated. On the basis of HPLC results showing no differences in the amount of DON in the growth medium after 72 h of incubation, the possible role of some PDR-ABC transporters in DON resistance by T. gamsii 6085 was investigated. T. gamsii 6085 was then tested as biocontrol agent under field conditions for two growing seasons (2011 and 2012), in order to evaluate its ability to reduce FHB symptoms on spikes and prevent mycotoxin production in kernels. The isolate was inoculated into soil before sowing or on spikes during anthesis. Spike application of T. gamsii 6085 reduced FHB severity by 57%. Colonization of spikes and spikelet components by the antagonist was assessed and discussed in connection with disease control. Results concerning spike colonization and the effects on the disease are encouraging. These preliminary results suggest that T. gamsii 6085 deserves further attention as a potential biocontrol agent of FHB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]