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Abstract
Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp., two genera of filamentous fungi, are common colonizers of the wheat phyllosphere. Both can be pathogenic and produce mycotoxins that are harmful to consumers. Their in-field infection dynamics have been a focus for the development of new control strategies. We analysed the abundance on plant ears and spore deposition patterns of Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp. in a topographically heterogeneous field. Abundances were assessed genetically, using qPCR-based techniques, and passive spore traps were installed for quantifying the spore deposition at different plant heights. Data loggers were placed to measure the differences in microclimate across the field. Results indicate different distribution and spore deposition patterns for the two fungi. Fusarium spp. spore and genetic abundances were higher in spots with a more humid and colder under-canopy microclimate. Alternaria spp. showed the opposite trend for genetic abundance, while its spore deposition was not correlated to any of the microclimatic conditions and was more uniform across the field. Our study extends the knowledge on the dispersal and in-field infection dynamics of Fusarium spp. and Alternaria spp., important for a better understanding of the epidemiology of these wheat pathogens. It also illustrates that topographically heterogeneous fields are a suitable environment for studying the ecology of phyllosphere-colonizing fungi.
Highlights
Being one of the most important cultivated crops in the world, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)production is threatened by many pests and pathogens that decrease the productivity and quality of the harvested product [1,2]
FHB is caused by a group of 19 species of filamentous fungi, mainly belonging to the genus Fusarium (F.), with the most important ones in central Europe being F. graminearum (teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein) Petch) and F. culmorum
The correlations indicate a strong connection between temperature, humidity and plant height, while the correlations were weaker but still significant for soil humidity with the other variables. This effect is understandable considering the position of the microclimatic stations, situated at a height of 30 cm within the canopy
Summary
Being one of the most important cultivated crops in the world, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)production is threatened by many pests and pathogens that decrease the productivity and quality of the harvested product [1,2]. (FHB), which causes head scab of the wheat plants and significant yield losses [3,4]. Most Fusaria produce a multitude of secondary metabolites, considered “mycotoxins” due to their toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic effects on humans and animals once the harvested product is processed into food and consumed [6]. Compounds such as zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON) or nivalenol (NIV), commonly produced by F. graminearum and F. culmorum, are considered among the most important classes of mycotoxins due to their acute or chronic toxic effects on mammals [7,8]
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