Abstract
Fumonisins are mycotoxins (MTs) produced mainly by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, the main pathogens of maize which cause ear rot. The aim of this work was to evaluate some factors that may lead to high fumonisin production by F. verticillioides in maize grains, correlating the pathogen inoculation method with different genotypes grown in four Brazilian states. Experiments were conducted in 2015–2016 in maize crops from experimental maize fields located in four distinct states of Brazil. Results showed that contamination by fumonisin mycotoxins occurred even on symptomatic or asymptomatic grains. In all municipalities, the samples showed levels of fumonisin B1 that were higher than would be tolerable for the human consumption of corn products (the current tolerance limit for fumonisin is 1.5 μg g−1). High severity of grains infected with F. verticillioides does not always show high concentrations of fumonisins. Environments with higher temperatures may influence the production of high concentrations of fumonisin in maize hybrids. Spray inoculation methods and inoculation at the center of spikes did not influence fumonisin concentrations. Results showed that the hybrids P3630H, P32R48 and P3250 presented higher disease severity, as well as higher mycotoxin levels in the studied locations with higher temperatures.
Highlights
At present, Brazil is the third-largest producer of maize (Zea mays L.) in the world, generating more than 92 million tons over the 2016–2017 harvest season, with an average productivity of 5.409 kg per hectare [1]
These toxins are found in different regions and they predominate in tropical and subtropical climates, such as Brazil, where the development of several microorganisms adapted to the tropical climate is favored by high temperatures and humidity levels [6]
The present work evaluates the effects of inoculated F. verticillioides on different corn genotypes grown in four Brazilian regions, as well as evaluating the severity of corn ear rot disease, fumonisin grown in four Brazilian regions, as well as evaluating the severity of corn ear rot disease, fumonisin content and grain yield
Summary
Brazil is the third-largest producer of maize (Zea mays L.) in the world, generating more than 92 million tons over the 2016–2017 harvest season, with an average productivity of 5.409 kg per hectare [1]. In an exploratory survey carried out in corn-producing regions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, [4] it was shown that F. verticillioides was the dominant species (76%) of the isolates obtained. This species produces mycotoxins (MTs), especially fumonisin, which are frequently found in maize and derivatives [5]. These toxins are found in different regions and they predominate in tropical and subtropical climates, such as Brazil, where the development of several microorganisms adapted to the tropical climate is favored by high temperatures and humidity levels [6]. Climatic conditions can be a decisive factor in the production of mycotoxins [7]
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