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The Toxin-Producing Ability of Fusarium Proliferatum Strains Isolated from Grain

Summary

Scientists studied a common fungus called Fusarium proliferatum that contaminates grain crops like wheat, oats, and maize. They identified 12 different strains of this fungus and tested how much toxic substances they could produce. All of the strains produced dangerous toxins called fumonisins and other harmful compounds that can make the grain unsafe to eat. The findings show farmers and grain producers need to monitor their crops carefully to prevent this fungal contamination.

Background

Fusarium proliferatum is a widespread fungus that infects numerous plant species and produces mycotoxins in varying amounts. The fungus belongs to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex and is particularly important as a pathogen of cereal crops including wheat, oats, and maize.

Objective

This study aimed to perform phylogenetic identification of F. proliferatum strains isolated from cereal crops grown in the Russian Federation and determine their ability to produce mycotoxins in vitro.

Results

All twelve strains formed a distinct clade confirming F. proliferatum identity with an 8:4 ratio of MAT1-1 to MAT1-2 idiomorphs. All strains produced fumonisins B1 (71-6175 mg/kg), B2 (12-2661 mg/kg), B3 (6-588 mg/kg), beauvericin (64-455 mg/kg), and moniliformin (12-6565 μg/kg), with FB1 being the predominant mycotoxin.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated significant intraspecific heterogeneity in F. proliferatum strains independent of geographic or substrate origin. The uneven distribution of mating types suggests reduced sexual reproduction frequency, and the high mycotoxin production potential indicates a significant risk of grain contamination requiring systematic monitoring.
  • Published in:Acta Naturae,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Analytical Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40264584, DOI: 10.32607/actanaturae.27546
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