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Three new species of Fusarium (Nectriaceae, Hypocreales) isolated from Eastern Cape dairy pastures in South Africa

Summary

Researchers surveyed dairy pastures in South Africa and discovered dangerous fungi called Fusarium species that can produce toxins harmful to cattle. They identified three new species of these fungi using genetic analysis and detailed microscopic examination. These findings show that pastures contain more diverse fungi than previously known and suggest the need for further study of how these fungi might affect the health of grazing animals.

Background

Fusarium species are important filamentous fungi associated with grass hosts and can produce mycotoxins that pose health risks to grazing cattle. Mixed pastures in South Africa contain diverse Fusarium species, particularly those within the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). Following a facial eczema outbreak in Eastern Cape cattle, a fungal survey was conducted to identify Fusarium species and other fungi present in dairy pastures.

Objective

To identify and characterize Fusarium species isolated from mixed pasture samples collected from 14 dairy farms in Eastern Cape, South Africa, with emphasis on describing new species within the FIESC using molecular phylogenetics and morphological characterization.

Results

Analysis identified 11 Fusarium species, including five previously known species and three new species formally described as F. cumulatum, F. mariecurieae, and F. pascuum. A morphological description was also provided for F. goeppertmayerae. The Equiseti-clade contained five species, the Incarnatum-clade contained five species, and the Camptoceras-clade contained one new species.

Conclusion

Mixed dairy pastures in Eastern Cape harbor significant Fusarium diversity with the identification and description of three new species. These findings highlight the need for further investigation into the potential impacts of these mycotoxigenic fungi on animal health and the importance of ongoing mycological surveillance in agricultural settings.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study, Taxonomic,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.115.148914, PMID: 40160926
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