Abstract
Fusarium is one of the most diverse fungal genera affecting several crops around the world. This study describes the phylogeny of Fusarium species associated with grains of sorghum and finger millet from different parts of Ethiopia. Forty-two sorghum and 34 finger millet grain samples were mycologically analysed. All of the sorghum and more than 40% of the finger millet grain samples were contaminated by the Fusarium species. The Fusarium load was higher in sorghum grains than that in finger millet grains. In addition, 67 test isolates were phylogenetically analysed using EF-1α and β-tubulin gene primers. Results revealed the presence of eight phylogenetic placements within the genus Fusarium, where 22 of the isolates showed a close phylogenetic relation to the F. incarnatum–equiseti species complex. Nevertheless, they possess a distinct shape of apical cells of macroconidia, justifying the presence of new species within the Fusarium genus. The new species was the most dominant, represented by 33% of the test isolates. The current work can be seen as an important addition to the knowledge of the biodiversity of fungal species that exists within the Fusarium genus. It also reports a previously unknown Fusarium species that needs to be investigated further for toxin production potential.
Highlights
The genus Fusarium is one of the most diverse fungal pathogens of plants and animals, including human beings
Toxigenic fungi and associated mycotoxins are reported from sorghum and finger millet grains in Ethiopia by some previous works [18,19,20,21,22]
The number of colony-forming units (CFU) of Fusarium species per gram of grain was determined as follows [19]: Ten grams of each sample was surface-sterilized by a quick rinse in 70% isopropanol and soaked for 1–2 min in 1% sodium hypochlorite solution
Summary
The genus Fusarium is one of the most diverse fungal pathogens of plants and animals, including human beings. The diversity and population structure of Fusarium spp. associated with sorghum and finger millets is poorly understood. Toxigenic fungi and associated mycotoxins are reported from sorghum and finger millet grains in Ethiopia by some (rather limited) previous works [18,19,20,21,22]. The identity and diversity of Fusarium spp. infecting sorghum and finger millet grains are not yet ascertained. Results of this work would help to better understand the phylogeny and evolutionary relationship of members of this important pathogenic and toxigenic fungus, as the country is one of the major centers of origin and diversity for the two crops
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