Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin contamination in Bt and non- Bt maize cultivated in Brazil

AbstractFusarium verticillioides is one of the main pathogens of maize, causing ear and stalk rots. This fungus is also able to produce high levels of fumonisins, which have been linked to various illnesses in humans and animals. Previous studies have shown that maize hybrids genetically modified with thecry genes from the bacteriumBacillus thuringiensis (Bt) presented lower incidence ofF. verticillioides and fumonisin levels, presumably through the reduction of insects, which could act as vectors of fungi. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence ofF. verticillioides and the concentration of fumonisins inBt and isogenic non-Bt hybrids (2B710Hx, 30F35YG, 2B710, and 30F35, respectively). The samples of 2B710Hx and 30F35YG presented lowerF. verticillioides frequency than 2B710 and 30F35 samples. However, there was no statistical difference between fumonisin contamination whenBt and non-Bt samples were compared (P >  0.05). The results suggest that other environmental parameters could possibly trigger fumonisin production during plant development in the field; consequently, other management strategies should be applied to aid controlling fumonisin contamination in maize.
Source: Mycotoxin Research - Category: Toxicology Source Type: research