Fusarium Research Articles

Evaluation and precise mapping of QFhb.nau-2B conferring resistance against Fusarium infection and spread within spikes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

QFhb.nau-2B previously identified in wheat cultivar Nanda 2419 conferred resistance against Fusarium graminearum infection (type I resistance) and fungal spread within spikes (type II resistance). In this study, this quantitative trait locus (QTL) was transferred into susceptible cultivars Chuanmai 42 and PH691 through molecular marker assisted backcross and was shown to be effective in different genetic backgrounds in repeated trials. To precisely map QFhb.nau-2B, the QTL interval was mapped with 43 markers, including 20 newly developed based on SNPs and Chinese Spring 2B reference sequences using 138 recombinants, identified from 530 recombinant inbred lines derived from Nanda 2419 × Wangshuibai, which yielded an average marker density of two markers per centimorgan. Of these recombinants, a collection of 19 and 20 lines without other known Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance QTL alleles, representing 13 genotypes in each collection, was evaluated for type I and type II resistances, respectively. In field trials, the FHB symptom difference after inoculation on these lines was clear-cut and co-segregated with a few markers within the interval. The type II resistance QTL interval was thus delimited to the 4.1-cM interval flanked by Xwgrb1503 and Xwgrb1373, which contained the 0.9-cM type I resistance QTL interval flanked by Xwgrb1561 and Xwgrb1410. The precise mapping of QFhb.nau-2B with more closely linked markers could facilitate its use in breeding programs.

Fusarium graminearum Trichothecene Mycotoxins: Biosynthesis, Regulation, and Management.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of small grain cereals caused by Fusarium graminearum and other Fusarium species is an economically important plant disease worldwide. Fusarium infections not only result in severe yield losses but also contaminate grain with various mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON). With the complete genome sequencing of F. graminearum, tremendous progress has been made during the past two decades toward understanding the basis for DON biosynthesis and its regulation. Here, we summarize the current understanding of DON biosynthesis and the effect of regulators, signal transduction pathways, and epigenetic modifications on DON production and the expression of biosynthetic TRI genes. In addition, strategies for controlling FHB and DON contamination are reviewed. Further studies on these biosynthetic and regulatory systems will provide useful knowledge for developing novel management strategies to prevent FHB incidence and mycotoxin accumulation in cereals.

Amylose-Free ("waxy") Wheat Colonization by Fusarium spp. and Response to Fusarium Head Blight.

Hexaploid waxy wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has null mutations in Wx genes and grain lacking amylose with increased digestibility and usability for specialty foods. The waxy cultivar Mattern is susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum species complex, which produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). In experiment 1, conducted during low natural FHB, grain from waxy breeding lines, Mattern, and wild-type breeding lines and cultivars were assessed for Fusarium infection and DON concentration. Nine Fusarium species and species complexes were detected from internally infected (disinfested) grain; F. graminearum infections were not different between waxy and wild-type. Surface- and internally infected grain (nondisinfested) had greater numbers of Fusarium isolates across waxy versus wild-type, but F. graminearum-like infections were similar; however, DON levels were higher in waxy. In experiment 2, conducted during a timely epidemic, disease severity, Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), and DON were assessed for waxy breeding lines, Mattern, and wild-type cultivars. Disease severity and FDK were not significantly different from wild-type, but DON was higher in waxy than wild-type lines. Across both experiments, waxy breeding lines, Plant Introductions 677876 and 677877, responded similarly to FHB as moderately resistant wild-type cultivar Overland, showing promise for breeding advanced waxy cultivars with reduced FHB susceptibility.

Development and Comparison of Two Multiresidue Methods for the Determination of 17 Aspergillus and Fusarium Mycotoxins in Cereals Using HPLC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS.

Cereals can be contaminated by several mycotoxins, whose co-presence may represent an undervalued risk for humans and animals. Maize and wheat are the most contaminated cereals and in temperate areas could be affected in field conditions by several Fusarium and Aspergillus infections. To date, only B-fumonisins (FBs), aflatoxins (AFs), zearalenone (ZEA), deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 and HT-2 toxins have been regulated in cereals in European Union. The other fungal metabolites, are commonly referred to as “emerging” and “masked” mycotoxins, and more information on their occurrence in combination with the regulated mycotoxins, are needed to design combined toxicological and exposure assessments.This research intends to develop and compare two multiresidue HPLC-ESI-TQ-MS/MS methods for the simultaneous determination of the main regulated, emerging and masked mycotoxins in maize and wheat, among which: FB1, FB2, DON, ZEA, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, moniliformin (MON), deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON-3-G), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-ADON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-ADON), nivalenol (NIV), enniatins A, A1, B, B1 (ENNA, ENNA1, ENNB, ENNB1). The extraction was performed for both methods using a mixture of CH3CN/H2O/CH3COOH (79/20/1, v/v/v), while the dilution/purification was carried out through two different procedures: (1) by the “dilute-and-shoot” technique diluting 1:2 the filtered extract with CH3CN/H2O/CH3COOH (20/79/1, v/v/v) to reduce the matrix effect; (2) using the Oasis® PRiME HLB clean-up columns. The analysis was carried out using CH3OH and H2O both acidified with 0.1% of CH3COOH as eluents. The injection volume was 20 μL and the flow rate 200 μL min-1. The analysis of two reference material (maize and wheat), was performed to evaluate the trueness and precision of the two methods by matrix-matched calibration curves. For all the regulated mycotoxins analyzed by both methods, the range of recovery percentage established by the Regulation (EC) No. 401/2006 was respected, except for ZEA by using the Oasis® PRiME HLB clean-up columns. Nevertheless, the results suggest that the Oasis® PRiME HLB clean-up columns, could be a valid alternative to the dilute-and-shoot method, although an additional cost for the clean-up has to be considered. In conclusion, both two analytical methods considerably reduce the analytical time and costs and therefore result to be promising and applicable for high-throughput routine multi-mycotoxins analysis by the use of a TQ.

Distribution of species of Fusarium and Alternaria genera on cereals in Ukraine

In recent years phytosanitary situation in agrophytocenooses has worsened, and damage caused by diseases increased. In the conditions of field experiments in the vegetative seasons of 2015–2018 the dissemination of Fusarium and Alternaria spp., and composition of Fusarium species in Ukraine were studied. The selection of plant samples was carried out twice – at the beginning of vegetation and before entering into wintering. In autumn the samples of winter wheat with the symptoms of root rot from more than 150 fields from different oblasts of Ukraine were selected. Later these samples were analyzed using PCR method in real time to determine the species composition of Fusarium genus. In the analysis of grain material from different regions of Ukraine we determined high level of Fusarium infection. Fusariosis of grain were observed in several areas in more than 50% of samples from all regions of county. In all oblasts of Ukraine, the high level of Alternarìa infection were identified also. It is found out that the main sources of the root rot are F. tricinctum, F. graminearum, F. poae and F. avenaceum. The role of F. avenaceum, as the pathogen of root rot was at the level of F. graminearum and F. sporotrichioides in most regions of Ukraine. The studies reveiled that the dominant species in the grain material were F. tricinctum and F. graminearum, presence of which exceeded 20–25%. Quite often F. poae and F. sporotrichioides was observed, presence of which in grain equaled 15–20%. In the Central, Eastern and Southern regions, the dominant species was F. avenaceum with a level of identification 15–23%. F. culmorum, F. langsethiae were within 5–7%. The species composition of fusariosis in the grain and the species composition of pathogens that cause fusariosis root rot in general are similar. Fusariosis becomes one of the most common and harmful diseases of grain crops, and cause no less harm than smut diseases. The fact that their danger continues to grow is explained by adverse weather conditions (alternation of wet and arid periods) and reduction of general level of cultivation: distribution of corn fields, decrease of expenses on tillage, and low-quality pesticides, often generics. It should be noted that the best precursors for cereal crops, for example, soy bean, is also vulnerable to fusariosis. Therefore, performing protective measures at preparing of grain for sowing and in the period of vegetation of the crop will contribute to total reduction of the levels of infection of agrophytocenoses with Fusarium species and potential damage to the cultivated plants. The study revealed that species of fungi belonging to the Alternaria and Fusarium genera infect wheat grain in the yields of each year. The results of data analysis of the genera showed antagonistic interaction between them. Perhaps, particularly at such negative interaction in the vegetative season of 2018, during, practically continuous warm rains in the "grain belt" of Ukraine during the generative period of development of wheat, the grain was infected with Alternaria spp. at moderate presence of Fusarium species. These patterns in the interaction of Alternaria and Fusarium spp. are expedient to be taken into account during development of systems of control of fusariosis using fungicides. Absence of contamination of grains with mycotoxins of Fusarium species does not reduce the levels of danger for crops posed by probable increase in the levels of presence of Alternaria mycotoxins – alternariol, alternariol monomethyl ether, tenuazonic acid, etc. Certainly, the results of the vegetation season of 2018 year and the large-scale alternariosis infication require clarifications to the current normative documentation. The conducted researches are important for improvement of protection systems for crops in intensive technologies of cultivation.

Fusarium culmorum mycotoxin transfer from wheat to malting and brewing products and by-products

The objectives of this study were to establish the impact ofFusarium culmorum infection and fungicide treatment on the occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON), 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, nivalenol, fusarenon-X, diacetoxyscirpenol and zearalenone in wheat, wheat malt and wort (beer). The concentrations of these compounds were also measured in the germ/rootlets, spent grains and spent yeast because these are the most important by-products and are further used as food or feed additives. Two wheat genotypes were obtained from the Agricultural Institute in Osijek, Croatia. The Osk.110/09 genotype, the genotype more susceptible toFusarium infections, and Lucija, the genotype less susceptible toFusarium, were analysed in this research. Each genotype was treated in four different ways at the field: (A) control, (B) treated with fungicide Prosaro® 250, (C) inoculated withF. culmorum spores and treated with fungicide Prosaro® 250, and (D) inoculated withF. culmorum spores. All samples were malted and brewed according to standard procedures, products and by-products were analysed for the mycotoxins by using LC-MS/MS. Since the majority of trichothecenes are polar molecules, the water after steeping was also analysed with LC-MS/MS. Mycotoxin concentrations were lower in malt samples treated with the fungicide. Elevated mycotoxin concentrations were observed in samples of both genotypes exposed toF. culmorum. Fungicide treatment was observed to suppress mycotoxin production and accumulation. However, samples with notably high mycotoxin concentrations, especially DON, retained elevated mycotoxin concentrations throughout the entire beer production process, even after a six-month storage period. DON proved to be the most frequently occurring mycotoxin in all of the by-products. The highest concentration of this compound was found in the steeping water from sample D (Osk.110/09), at 20,326 μg/l, leaving the spent grains of this sample with no detectable levels of DON.

Colonization of winter wheat grain with Fusarium and Alternaria species and influence on pest control management

The interactions among grain-colonizing species on wheat and their effects on incidence and severity of Fusarium head blight are usually neglected in studies. Although saprophytes can predominate over pathogenic species, studies related to the control of saprophytic mycoflora in wheat production are rare. Here we hypothesized that the infection level of Fusarium and contamination level of Alternaria spp. are significantly influenced by environmental factors and their interactions and investigated the relationship between Fusarium and Alternaria spp. under field conditions and estimate its effect on conventional wheat production, The most prevalent species associated with wheat grain were Alternaria spp. (80% in 2012 and 55% in 2013), and the second was F. graminearum (9% in 2012 and 38% in 2013). In general, varieties that are moderately resistant to Fusarium infection are less contaminated with Alternaria spp. compared to susceptible and moderately susceptible varieties. F. graminearum on Alternaria spp. had a strong antagonistic effect on moderately susceptible and susceptible varieties with P < 0.001 using Spearman’s coefficient of correlation. An infection level of F. graminearum over 25% showed antagonistic activity against Alternaria spp. under field conditions. Using prothioconazole + tebuconazole as a chemical measure to prevent F. graminearum infection on susceptible varieties can be related to an increase in the contamination level of Alternaria spp., jeopardizing the effectiveness of seed health control measures.

Screening for Fusarium Antagonistic Bacteria From Contrasting Niches Designated the Endophyte Bacillus halotolerans as Plant Warden Against Fusarium.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plantations in North Africa are nowadays threatened with the spread of the Bayoud disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, already responsible for destroying date production in other infected areas, mainly in Morocco. Biological control holds great promise for sustainable and environmental-friendly management of the disease. In this study, the additional benefits to agricultural ecosystems of using plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or endophytes are addressed. First, PGPR or endophytes can offer an interesting bio-fertilization, meaning that it can add another layer to the sustainability of the approach. Additionally, screening of contrasting niches can yield bacterial actors that could represent wardens against whole genera or groups of plant pathogenic agents thriving in semi-arid to arid ecosystems. Using this strategy, we recovered four bacterial isolates, designated BFOA1, BFOA2, BFOA3 and BFOA4, that proved very active against F. oxysporum f. sp. albedinis. BFOA1–BFOA4 proved also active against 16 Fusarium isolates belonging to four species: F. oxysporum (with strains phytopathogenic of Olea europaea and tomato), F. solani (with different strains attacking O. europaea and potato), F. acuminatum (pathogenic on O. europaea) and F. chlamydosporum (phytopathogenic of O. europaea). BFOA1–BFOA4 bacterial isolates exhibited strong activities against another four major phytopathogens: Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Phytophthora infestans, and Rhizoctonia bataticola. Isolates BFOA1–BFOA4 had the ability to grow at temperatures up to 35°C, pH range of 5–10, and tolerate high concentrations of NaCl and up to 30% PEG. The isolates also showed relevant direct and indirect PGP features, including growth on nitrogen-free medium, phosphate solubilization and auxin biosynthesis, as well as resistance to metal and xenobiotic stress. Phylogenomic analysis of BFOA1–BFOA4 isolates indicated that they all belong to Bacillus halotolerans, which could therefore considered as a warden against Fusarium infection in plants. Comparative genomics allowed us to functionally describe the open pan genome of B. halotolerans and LC-HRMS and GCMS analyses, enabling the description of diverse secondary metabolites including pulegone, 2-undecanone, and germacrene D, with important antimicrobial and insecticidal properties. In conclusion, B. halotolerans could be used as an efficient bio-fertilizer and bio-control agent in semi-arid and arid ecosystems.

PHENOTYPIC AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Fusarium spp. COMING FROM SESAME PRODUCTION ZONE IN VENEZUELA

El ajonjoli es un cultivo importante en regiones tropicales, el cual es afectado por hongos del suelo como Macrophomina phaseolina y Fusarium sp. Con el objetivo de identificar y caracterizar a Fusarium spp. como causante de pudricion en plantas de ajonjoli en campo, se obtuvieron diez aislados. Once caracteristicas distintivas a nivel taxonomico se determinaron sobre los diez aislados, y adicionalmente se midio la velocidad de crecimiento en capsulas de Petri. A nivel molecular, la caracterizacion de los diez aislados, se desarrollo utilizando la tecnica molecular de ADN polimorfico amplificado al azar (RAPD) mediante el uso de cinco cebadores o “primers”. Se identificaron tres especies de Fusarium oxysporum (2 aislados), Fusarium solani (7 aislados) y Fusarium semitectum (1 aislado). Investigaciones anteriores al presente trabajo indican que el ajonjoli es solo afectado por F. oxysporum f. sp . sesami , solo un reporte previo indica que tambien F. solani causa la pudricion de Fusarium en este cultivo. La velocidad de crecimiento in vitro se ubico en un rango entre 0,21-0,29 mm h -1 , sin ningun patron identificable de acuerdo a la especie. El crecimiento de uno de los aislados de F. oxysporum fue estadisticamente (P<0.05) mas rapido que los otros aislados evaluados. Cincuenta bandas RAPD (92% polimorficas) no pudieron diferenciar las tres especies identificadas de Fusarium . El coeficiente de similitud de Jaccard estuvo entre 0,15 y 0,47 con un promedio de 0,32. PALABRAS CLAVE : Pudricion por Fusarium, F. solani , F. oxysporum , F. semitectum, RAPD. RESUMO O gergelim, uma cultura importante em regioes tropicais e seriamente afetada pelos fungos do solo Macrophomina phaseolina e Fusarium sp. A fim de identificar e caracterizar Fusarium spp. causadores da podridao em plantas de gergelim no campo, dez isolados foram obtidos. Varios carateres taxonomicos distintos foram determinados nos dez isolados, e a taxa de crescimento em placas de Petri foi medida adicionalmente. Para mais detalhes da caracterizacao dos dez isolados, utilizou-se a tecnica molecular de DNA polimorfico amplificado ao acaso (RAPD), atraves de cinco iniciadores ou primers. Foram identificadas sob criterio morfologico tres especies; Fusarium oxysporum (2 isolados), Fusarium solani (7 isolados) e Fusarium semitectum (um isolado). Relatorios anteriores indicam que o gergelim e afetado apenas por F. oxysporum f. sp. sesami , no entanto, um relatorio anterior indica que F. solani, tambem pode causar a podridao de fusarium nesta cultura. A taxa de crescimento in vitro foi na faixa entre 0,21- 0,29 mm. h-1, sem qualquer padrao identificavel de acordo com a especie. O crescimento de um dos isolados de F. oxysporum foi estatisticamente (P <0,05) mais rapido que os outros isolados avaliados. Cinquenta bandas de RAPD (92% polimorficas) nao conseguiram diferenciar as tres especies de Fusarium identificadas morfologicamente. O coeficiente de similaridade de Jaccard foi entre 0,15 e 0,47 com uma media de 0,32.

Endophytic fungal communities of ancient wheat varieties

The fungal community composition and structure of two ancient tetraploid wheat varieties, native to the Sicilian territory of Italy, Perciasacchi (winter wheat) and Tumminia (spring wheat) were investigated using High Throughput Sequencing (HTS). This showed a predominance of Ascomycetes and Basidiomycetes including Alternaria , Fusarium , Mycosphaerella, Filobasidium, Cystofilobasidium, Cryptococcus , Leucosporidium , Dioszegia, Puccinia , Sporobolomyces, Aureobasidium, Cladosporium, Holtermanniella and Gibberella . Principal Coordinates Analysis (PCoA) and Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) showed that Aureobasidium, Leucosporidium and Puccinia differentiated between the two wheat varieties. In addition, the microbial association analysis suggested that some endophytic taxa play important roles within the wheat fungal community. Genera such as Cryptococcus and Cystofilobasidium were shown to have consistent antagonistic activity against Gibberella spp., while, Acremonium and a group of unidentified ascomycetes had mutual exclusion relationships with Puccinia. Since both Gibberella and Puccinia contain several economically important pathogens of wheat, the detected fungal interactions may indicate microbial-mediated resistance in these wheat varieties.

Molecular Identification of Fusarium proliferatum from toenails: A case report

Fusarium is a saprophytic fungus which is broadly disseminated in soil, plant debris and other organic substrates. These fungi can affect indigenous tissue in immunocompromised patients and result in some fungal infections such as Onychomycosis, bone and joint disease, or sinusitis. In this paper, we report a 56-year-old female has Diabetes milletus who established to disseminate Fusarium infection in her left first toenail from the Dermatology Department / Khabat Skin Center, Sulaimani Province, Iraq. To study of these fungi as the true causative agents of nail infection, we describe a PCR/sequencing assay to confirm routinely diagnosis of the infecting fungi in this case with toenail Onychomycosis. Designation of the ordinary laboratory of Fusarium is very challenging because of the septate hyphae of Fusarium are hard to discriminate from those of Aspergillus, which has a more favourable consequence and this time-consuming. Therefore, molecular tools were used for identification of F. proliferatum from this case by amplifying ITS region of rDNA using a pair of universal primers ITS1 and ITS4. Infectious fungal molecular detection advances the select of right antifungal therapy, in that way improving the medication rate of nails infections. DNA sequence analysis and Phylogenetic tree of the amplified ITS-rDNA was used for species identification of this strain of F. proliferatum. For final identification sequencing of DNA has been carried out by [Macrogen Korea] using forward primer ITS1, The obtained consensus of query sequence was compared with the ITS DNA database on the BLAST homepage, aligned and diagnosed strain deposited to the GenBank and we received an accession number (MK112619). The sequence of the F. proliferatum amplicon was aligned using ClustalW and the alignment was used to make phylogenetic analysis using MEGA software version X. To the best of our knowledge, the isolated Fusarium in this paper is the first case of its kind to be sequenced and reported by the molecular method in Kurdistan region of Iraq

Fusarium vascular graft infection.

A 37-year-old African American male with a past medical history significant for end stage renal disease on hemodialysis via a femoral arteriovenous graft, systemic lupus erythematous, with a recent hospitalization for cavitary Candida pneumonia treated with micafungin, presented with a fever of 102° F for 3 days and worsening left groin pain. He also complained of chills, nausea, and malaise. On physical examination, the patient was hemodynamically stable with swelling and tenderness at the site of the graft. He was started on vancomycin, piperacillin/tazobactam and micafungin. Computed tomography scan and duplex scan of the left lower extremity showed diffuse swelling and attenuation of the graft material consistent with thrombosis of the graft. Excision of the graft and thrombectomy was performed and the graft thrombus was sent for culture. Examination of the sample showed fungal hyphae (Figure). Micafungin was switched to voriconazole; however, the patient did not show any improvement of his groin pain. On day 5 of hospitalization, culture showed Fusarium, and hence amphotericin B was added resulting in subsequent clinical improvement. We are presenting an unusual site of Fusarium infection which responded to combination therapy, a case which has not been reported.

Fusarium Infection of the Maxillary Sinus as a Complication of Overfilling of Endodontic Treatment: A Case Report

Fusarium Infection of the Maxillary Sinus as a Complication of Overfilling of Endodontic Treatment: A Case Report

Fungi associated with grapevine trunk diseases in nursery-produced Vitis vinifera plants

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are one of the most important groups of fungal diseases affecting grapevine plants worldwide. One of the main causes of GTDs infection occur during nursery plant production processes. The phytosanitary status was determined for 150 young grapevine plants (two varieties grafted onto different rootstocks) that were produced in three European nurseries. Some plants were analyzed upon submission, while others were assessed after up to 12 months growth in a greenhouse. Fungal species associated with GTDs were identified and characterized from the scions, graft unions, rootstocks, or roots. A total of 449 fungal isolates associated with GTDs were obtained, and 20 species were identified by morphological characteristics and DNA analyses. Five species were involved in Botryosphaeria dieback, six in black foot disease, six in Diaporthe dieback, and three in Petri disease . Incidence of GTDs on grapevine plants was between 81 and 100%, with different diseases varying between rootstocks and grapevine varieties. Isolates of other fungal genera not involved in the GTD complex were also detected, including Colletotrichum , Fusarium , and Rhizoctonia . The high presence of GTDs during nursery production of grapevine plants raises the need to implement effective control methods that could prevent the spread of these diseases to vineyards.

Weather Effect and Response of Promoted Rice Varieties on Fusarium Infection in Paddy Field

Weather Effect and Response of Promoted Rice Varieties on Fusarium Infection in Paddy Field

Resistance to race 1 of Fusarium wilt of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): Genetics and mapping of resistance genes in an intraspecific cross

Fusarium wilt causes 10% annual loss in India. Studies on F1, F2, F3 and F10 recombinant inbred line populations (RILs) of chickpea cultivars ICCV2 (resistant) and JG 62 (susceptible) against Fusarium race 1 suggested that resistance in this cross is governed by two recessive genes h1 and h2. The linkage map constructed using 126 F10 RILs comprised of 49 molecular and 7 phenotypic markers with nine linkage groups. The h1 gene governing Fusarium resistance was linked to RMMFP1 and TA59 markers. TA59 marker assigned this locus to cluster of Fusarium resistance genes on linkage group 2 of the interspecific genetic map.

Influence of Fusarium avenaceum infections on barley malt: Monitoring changes in the albumin fraction of barley during the malting process

Fusarium spp. are ubiquitous field pathogens, which are known to affect quality characteristics of cereals. Infections with Fusarium pathogens in brewing cereals are problematic and augur for a poor malt quality. The negative effects of Fusarium infections are various. Besides causing agronomic losses, kernel discoloration, and the production of several mycotoxins, Fusarium spp. are known to enhance the proteolytic activity of infected barley malt. Enhanced proteolysis can be observed in higher values in free amino nitrogen (FAN) as well as in soluble nitrogen. Previous studies showed that, in recent crop years, the predominant Fusarium spp. detected in European malt was F. avenaceum. This study focuses on the changes in the albumin fraction during the malting process of barley samples artificially infected with F. avenaceum in comparison to uninfected control samples. The barley samples were grown under controlled conditions in a greenhouse, and two different sample types were studied: One was not infected with Fusarium spores whereas the other sample was inoculated during anthesis with a spore suspension of F. avenaceum. Malting trials were carried out in a micromalting facility under defined conditions. To monitor the changes in protein profiles due to Fusarium infection, samples were analyzed at different stages of the malting process: barley (raw grain), poststeeping, postgermination, and postkilning. To evaluate the changes in the protein composition, different fractionation techniques (Osborne fractionation, isoelectric focusing, and capillary gel electrophoresis) were utilized. The albumins of the Osborne fractionation were further analyzed as they represent the main metabolically active proteins. Protein maps of the different malting steps were plotted with a custom-programmed visualization tool for comparing the infected and uninfected samples at each malting step. The results elucidate the changes in the albumin fraction during the malting process and reveal the influence of Fusarium infection on the albumin composition of barley, barley malt, and the intermediate products of malting.

WITHDRAWN: Antioxidant properties and antimicrobial activities of Bacillus mojavensis I4 lipopeptides and application in the biocontrol of potato dry rots caused by Fusarium solani.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

Tomato Generative Growth from the Seeds Exposed to 0,2 mT of Magnetic Field and Infected by Fusarium sp.

Previous research has shown that magnetic fields can increase the vigor and growth of tomato plants resistant to Fusarium sp. In this study we investigated whether the increase of vigor and tomato growth of plants resistant to Fusarium sp. attack will continue with the resulting increase in generative growth. The research was conducted factorially using a split strip plot design consisting of 0.2 mT magnetic field exposure (M) as the main plot; infection of Fusarium sp. (F) as a sub plot; and seed soaking (S) for 15′ before the magnetic field treatment as strip plots. Each treatment unit was repeated 3 times. The generative growth parameters studied were the number of flowers, the rate of fruiting, the number of fruits, and the total fresh weight of the fruit per plant. The results of the analysis of variance at α = 1 and 5% indicated that the magnetic field exposure (M) treatment and combination of magnetic field exposure and seed soaking treatment (MxS) affected all parameters measured. Treatment of infection of Fusarium sp. (F) only affect the speed of fruit formation. The S treatment and combination of MxF, FxS, and MxFxS did not affect all parameters measured. Exposure to magnetic fields for 7′48″ produced ants with the highest rate of flower formation and the greatest number of fruits. The highest number of flowers and the highest rate of fruiting was obtained from the treatment of magnetic field exposure for 11′42″. Fusarium-infected plant stems from soaked seeds which were grown on sterile soil produced plants with the lowest of fruiting rate (F5). Exposure of magnetic field for 7′48″ to the soaked seed yields the highest number of fruit. The highest number of flower was obtained from the treatment of magnetic field exposure on un-soaked seed while the highest rate of fruiting obtained from the treatment of the soaked beans without exposure to the magnetic field.

Real-World Efficacy of Anti-Fungal Prophylaxis in Patients Treated for Acute Gastrointestinal Graft-Versus-host Disease (GI-GVHD)

AimAllogeneic progenitor cell transplant (HPCT) recipients who develop acute gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-GVHD) are at increased risk of developing invasive fungal infections (IFI). Randomised control trial data supports the use of mould-active fungal prophylaxis in HPCT patients with grade II-IV GVHD (Ullman et al. 2007). We aimed to assess our unit's use of anti-fungal prophylaxis and describe the incidence and species of breakthrough IFI in patients with GI-GVHD.MethodWe conducted a retrospective audit of patients who underwent HPCT at our institution between 2011-2016 and identified those who were treated for acute GI-GVHD using a minimum of prednisone 1mg/kg or equivalent. For those patients the following details were collected: presence of any prior IFIs, anti-fungal prophylaxis before and after initiation of steroids, and the incidence of new IFIs within 6 months of commencing steroids.ResultOf the 551 HPCT performed during this period, 74 evaluable patients were treated for GI-GVHD. All patients received anti-fungal prophylaxis prior to steroid commencement (66.2% received fluconazole, 10.8% posaconazole, 20.2% voriconazole and 2.7% other). Post steroids 35.1% remained on fluconazole, 21.6% received posaconazole, 35.1% received voriconazole, and 8.1% received other anti-fungals. Of the 26 patients remaining on fluconazole, 9 were transitioned to mould-active prophylaxis at a later time.Twelve patients (16.2%) experienced a breakthrough IFI (6 definite and 6 probable). In the 42 patients receiving posaconazole or voriconazole, 7 (16.7%) experienced breakthrough IFI, compared with 3 (11.5%) in the fluconazole cohort. Two other cases occurred in patients who received caspofungin. Notably, patients receiving mould-active fungal prophylaxis developed mucormycosis, Fusarium and Scedosporium infections whereas fluconazole lead to invasive aspergillosis.ConclusionDespite anti-fungal prophylaxis, real-world GI-GVHD patients remain at particularly increased risk of developing IFI. Anti-mould prophylaxis is associated with lower incidence of invasive aspergillosis but higher incidence of non-Aspergillus mould. Further studies investigating optimal anti-mould strategies are warranted. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.