Genetic, pathogenic and toxigenic variability by F. proliferatum isolated from maize kernels

Abstract

Genetic (mating population and vegetative compatibility), pathogenic and toxigenic variability of F. proliferatum isolated from maize kernels originating from different localities in Serbia were studied. Investigated isolates of F. proliferatum were fertile and most of them (8/13) belonged to the mating type MATD-2. Based on the complementary test isolates, F. proliferatum were grouped into 11 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) and two isolates were self-incompatible. All tested field isolates of F. proliferatum and nit mutants were pathogenic and most expressed medium pathogenicity. Field isolates of F. proliferatum showed a higher potential for biosynthesis of FB1 (up to 1,246.00 µg g-1) in relation to their nit1 (up to 53.41 µg g-1) and NitM mutants (up to 56.17 µg g-1). Based on genetic, pathogenic and toxigenic properties of 13 isolates of F. proliferatum, relatively high variability of this fungus originated from maize grain was found.

Key words: Fusarium proliferatum, mating type, vegetative compatibility, pathogenicity, fumonisin B1.