Abstract
This study aimed to determine the levels of fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides and FUM gene expression on Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) and non-Bt maize, post harvest, during different periods of incubation. Transgenic hybrids 30F35 YG, 2B710 Hx and their isogenic (30F35 and 2B710) were collected from the field and a subset of 30 samples selected for the experiments. Maize samples were sterilized by gamma radiation at a dose of 20 kGy. Samples were then inoculated with F. verticillioides and analyzed under controlled conditions of temperature and relative humidity for fumonisin B1 and B2 (FB1 and FB2) production and FUM1, FUM3, FUM6, FUM7, FUM8, FUM13, FUM14, FUM15, and FUM19 expression. 2B710 Hx and 30F35 YG kernel samples were virtually intact when compared to the non-Bt hybrids that came from the field. Statistical analysis showed that FB1 production was significantly lower in 30F35 YG and 2B710 Hx than in the 30F35 and 2B710 hybrids (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference for FB2 production (P > 0.05). The kernel injuries observed in the non-Bt samples have possibly facilitated F. verticillioides penetration and promoted FB1 production under controlled conditions. FUM genes were expressed by F. verticillioides in all of the samples. However, there was indication of lower expression of a few FUM genes in the Bt hybrids; and a weak association between FB1 production and the relative expression of some of the FUM genes were observed in the 30F35 YG hybrid.
Highlights
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s major agricultural crops serving as a staple food for millions, with an annual average production and consumption of 989.2 million metric tons (Mt) and 953.9 Mt (2013-2014), respectively
Production of FB1 and FB2 in Bt and Non-Bt Maize Samples Artificially Contaminated with F. verticillioides During the Periods of 10, 20, and 30 days
Optimization of Quantitative PCR (qPCR) Reactions and fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster (FUM) Gene Expression in Bt and Non-Bt Maize Samples Artificially Contaminated with F. verticillioides During the Periods of 10, 20, and 30 days
Summary
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the world’s major agricultural crops serving as a staple food for millions, with an annual average production and consumption of 989.2 million metric tons (Mt) and 953.9 Mt (2013-2014), respectively. Brazil is currently the world’s third largest producer, after United States and China, with an average production of 79.3 Mt over the last year (United States Department of Agriculture [USDA], 2014). Members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex, mainly F. verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg and F. proliferatum (Matsush.) Nirenberg, are capable of producing these mycotoxins consistently (Desjardins, 2006). F. verticillioides is one of the most important species associated with maize throughout the world and produces high levels of fumonisins. Contamination with these mycotoxins has a significant impact, compromising the quality of maize products (de la Campa et al, 2005)
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