Abstract
In this paper, the incidence of Fusarium-infected grain of winter wheat and the content of mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) was studied in two Serbian cultivars Simonida and NS40S, both harvested in 2014. The level of Fusarium contamination of wheat grain was determined using phytopathological techniques based on the standard methodology while DON was detected by enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA). The incidence of Fusarium-infected grain ranged from 12 to 19% for Simonida and NS40S, respectively. Fusarium graminearum, as well-known producer of DON mycotoxin, was identified among Fusarium species. In addition, Alternaria spp. was isolated in high percentage, with an average incidence of 53% (Simonida) to 63% (NS40S).The average content of DON ranged from 424 ?g kg-1 to 1101 ?g kg-1 for Simonida and NS40S cultivars, respectively. Statistically insignificant negative correlation (r = - 0.18) was determined between Fusariuminfected grain and DON in the cultivar Simonida and statistically insignificant positive correlation (r = 0.11) in the cultivar NS40S. The mean levels of DON in studied wheat samples of both tested cultivars were not higher than the maximum permitted limit (1250 ?g kg-1) although the level of Fusarium-infected grain of both cultivars was relatively high. These results indicate that both wheat cultivars are susceptible to Fusarium infection and DON mycotoxin production in agro-ecological conditions of Serbia, but the cultivar NS40S being more susceptible compared to cultivar Simonida. In view of all stated above, regular health check of grains and developing strategies for integrated monitoring of incidence of Fusarium head blight are necessary preventive measures in protection of winter wheat.
Highlights
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crop grown in Serbia, on approximately 500,000 ha, with average yield of 3,700 kg/ha (Statistical Yearbook of Serbia, 2012)
The mean levels of DON in studied wheat samples of both tested cultivars were not higher than the maximum permitted limit (1250 μg kg-1) the level of Fusarium-infected grain of both cultivars was relatively high. These results indicate that both wheat cultivars are susceptible to Fusarium infection and DON mycotoxin production in agro-ecological conditions of Serbia, but the cultivar NS40S being more susceptible compared to cultivar Simonida
F. graminearum was identified as only producer of DON mycotoxin
Summary
Wheat is one of the most important cereal crop grown in Serbia, on approximately 500,000 ha, with average yield of 3,700 kg/ha (Statistical Yearbook of Serbia, 2012). Besides maize, it is the main crop for human consumption, commonly used in the production of bread. The major fungal wheat disease is Fusarium head blight (FHB) (Santos et al, 2013). In agro-climatic condition in Serbia, Fusarium graminearum has been mostly isolated from Fusarium-infected grains (Lević et al, 2008; Krnjaja et al, 2011). There are different mycotoxins produced by this species, of which the major contaminant of cereal grains is deoxynivalenol (DON) (Nakajima, 2007a; Stanković et al, 2012)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
