Structure and diversity of Fusarium communities inhabiting non-cultivated grass inflorescences in New York State

Abstract

The structure and diversity of wild grass spike-inhabiting Fusarium communities are not well understood. Fifteen common, non-cultivated grasses were surveyed across two years, regions, and land uses for spike-dwelling Fusarium spp. Eleven fungal species were identified from 857 isolates, including two, F. camptoceras and F. lactis, not recorded previously in New York state or on grass hosts. Species diversity and community structure varied by year and region. Land use and host community did not influence Fusarium communities, and no species-specific grass-Fusarium associations were detected. Fusarium communities were divided into two categories, those dominated by F. graminearum and those dominated by F. sporotrichioides. The community formation process is relevant to disease prediction and toxin monitoring in cropping systems as well as to land management practices at the intersection of agricultural and natural spaces.