Control of Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg and Fumonisins by Using a Combination of Crop Protection Products and Fertilization.

Richard Raphael Madege,Martin Kimanya,Sofie Landschoot,Geert Haesaert,Bruno De Meulenaer,Boris Bekaert,Bendantukuka Tiisekwa,Kris Audenaert

doi:10.3390/toxins10020067

Abstract

Fusarium verticillioides is the most common fungal pathogen associated with maize ear rot in Tanzania. In a two-year trial, we investigated the efficacy of crop protection (insecticide and/or fungicide) and fertilizer (nitrogen and/or phosphorus) treatments in reducing the occurrence of F. verticillioides and its mycotoxins in maize grown in Tanzania. Seasonal differences were seen to have a substantial influence on the incidence and severity of insect infestation, Fusarium ear and kernel rot, biomass of F. verticillioides and contamination with fumonisins. With regard to the application of fertilizers, it was concluded that the impact on maize stalk borer injury, Fusarium symptoms and fumonisin levels was not significant, whereas crop protection significantly reduced maize damage. The application of an insecticide was most effective in reducing insect injury and as a result of the reduced insect injury the insecticide treatment also resulted in a significant decrease in Fusarium symptoms. In 2014, fumonisin levels were also significantly lower in maize treated with an insecticide. Additionally, significant positive correlations between insect damage and Fusarium symptoms were observed. In conclusion, this study clearly shows that application of an insecticide alone or in combination with a fungicide at anthesis significantly reduces insect damage and consequently reduces F. verticillioides infection and associated fumonisin contamination.

Highlights

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cereal crop grown worldwide in a range of agro-ecological environments.It is the major staple food [1], feed compound [2], and industrial raw material [3] used throughoutToxins 2018, 10, 67; doi:10.3390/toxins10020067 www.mdpi.com/journal/toxinsToxins 2018, 10, 67 the world
Maize is grown on approximately 4.12 million hectares and provides 60% of dietary calories and more than 35% of utilizable protein to the Tanzanian population [4]
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer, and crop protection on the occurrence of F. verticillioides and its mycotoxins fumonisin B1 and fumonisin B2 in maize

Summary

Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cereal crop grown worldwide in a range of agro-ecological environments.It is the major staple food [1], feed compound [2], and industrial raw material [3] used throughoutToxins 2018, 10, 67; doi:10.3390/toxins10020067 www.mdpi.com/journal/toxinsToxins 2018, 10, 67 the world. Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cereal crop grown worldwide in a range of agro-ecological environments. It is the major staple food [1], feed compound [2], and industrial raw material [3] used throughout. Maize is grown on approximately 4.12 million hectares and provides 60% of dietary calories and more than 35% of utilizable protein to the Tanzanian population [4]. It is a major source of income for the majority of smallholders, since about 40% of the production is sold on the local markets around the urban centers.

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Results