In vitro control of growth and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum using antioxidants under different water availability and temperature regimes

Multi-Mycotoxin Contamination, Mold Incidence and Risk Assessment of Aflatoxin in Maize Kernels Originating from Nepal

Occurrence of mycotoxins in staple foods is a major threat to attaining food safety in developing countries. The study investigated multi-mycotoxin contamination for the first time in Nepalese maize along with the incidence of molds in 45 samples of maize used as human food from 45 districts of Nepal. The samples were analyzed quantitatively for the presence of five different mycotoxins (total aflatoxins (AF), total fumonisins (FUM), ochratoxin (OT), zearalenone (ZEA) and (DON) deoxynivalenol) using the competitive direct ELISA technique. The most frequent occurrences were for DON (100%) and AF (78%) followed by FUM and ZEA (both 76%) and OT (62%). Interestingly, all the samples contained at least two mycotoxins while at least three or more mycotoxins were found in 87% of the samples. The most commonly reported binary, ternary and quaternary combinations were DON+AF, AF+FUM+DON and AF+FUM+ZEA+DON, respectively. The mean percentage kernel mold infection was 35.33% with Fusarium, Aspergillus, Rhizopus and Penicillium genera being the predominant molds. Six different species of Aspergillus and a single species of Fusarium were identified. The estimated daily intake, margin of exposure and risk of liver cancer from consuming maize were 30.46 ng/kg bw/day and 5.58 and 0.38 cancer cases/year/100,000 population, respectively. Since maize is the second-most consumed cereal in Nepal, the contamination levels of various mycotoxins and the incidence of molds identified in the study suggests that stricter control is needed to safeguard the health of the substantial population consuming maize as a staple diet.

Citrus flavonoids against Fusarium verticillioides in post-harvest maize: Minimization of fumonisins and alteration of fungal ultrastructure

AIMS

To minimize fumonisins (FBs) accumulation by Fusarium verticillioides in post-harvest maize, using flavonoids obtained from citrus residues: naringin (NAR), neohesperidin (NEO), quercetin (QUER), and its mixtures.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design was applied in maize at 0.98 and 0.95 a_w . The optimal mixture found, composed of 0.40 mmol kg^-1  NAR, 0.16 mmol kg^-1  NEO and 0.37 mmol kg^-1 QUER, reduced the accumulation of FBs B1, B2, and B3 by 88 ± 6%, 90 ± 6% and 85 ± 5%, respectively, when applied to maize at 0.98 a_w . The mentioned mixture led to a 54 ± 9% reduction of fumonisin B1 accumulation in maize adjusted to 0.95 a_w . These flavonoids applied individually and as a mixture, affected the structure of both the cell wall and the cytoplasm of F. verticillioides. The cell wall lost rigidity and the cells appeared highly deformed, with ruptured plasmalemma and disrupted endomembranes.

CONCLUSIONS

It was possible to diminish the accumulation of FBs in maize by a highly toxigenic Fusarium strain, producing severe damage to its ultrastructure.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

The results indicate the possible use of flavonoids from citrus industry residues as natural and environmentally friendly antifungal agents to restrain the accumulation of FBs in stored maize.

Current Perspectives of Biocontrol Agents for Management of Fusarium verticillioides and Its Fumonisin in Cereals-A Review

Fusarium verticillioides is the most predominant fungal phytopathogen of cereals and it is posing great concern from a global perspective. The fungus is mainly associated with maize, rice, sorghum, wheat, sugarcane, banana, and asparagus and causes cob, stalk, ear, root, crown, top, and foot rot. F. verticillioides produces fumonisins as the major secondary metabolite along with trace levels of beauvericin, fusaric acid, fusarin C, gibberiliformin, and moniliformin. Being a potential carcinogen, fumonisins continue to receive major attention as they are common contaminants in cereals and its processed food products. The importance of elimination of F. verticillioides growth and its associated fumonisin from cereals cannot be overemphasized considering the significant health hazards associated with its consumption. Physical and chemical approaches have been shown to reduce fumonisin B1 concentrations among feeds and food products but have proved to be ineffective during the production process. Hence, biological control methods using microorganisms, plant extracts, antioxidants, essential oils, phenolic compounds, and other advanced technologies such as growing disease-resistant crops by applying genetic engineering, have become an effective alternative for managing F. verticillioides and its toxin. The different methods, challenges, and concerns regarding the biocontrol of F. verticillioides and production of fumonisin B1 have been addressed in the present review.

Effect of Temperature, Water Activity and Carbon Dioxide on Fungal Growth and Mycotoxin Production of Acclimatised Isolates of Fusarium verticillioides and F. graminearum

Climate change is primarily manifested by elevated temperature and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and is projected to provide suitable cultivation grounds for pests and pathogens in the otherwise unsuitable regions. The impacts of climate change have been predicted in many parts of the world, which could threaten global food safety and food security. The aim of the present work was therefore to examine the interacting effects of water activity (a_w) (0.92, 0.95, 0.98 a_w), CO₂ (400, 800, 1200 ppm) and temperature (30, 35 °C and 30, 33 °C for Fusarium verticillioides and F. graminearum, respectively) on fungal growth and mycotoxin production of acclimatised isolates of F. verticillioides and F. graminearum isolated from maize. To determine fungal growth, the colony diameters were measured on days 1, 3, 5, and 7. The mycotoxins produced were quantified using a quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometer (QTOF-MS) combined with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system. For F. verticillioides, the optimum conditions for growth of fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), and fumonisin B₂ (FB₂) were 30 °C + 0.98 a_w + 400 ppm CO₂. These conditions were also optimum for F. graminearum growth, and zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) production. Since 30 °C and 400 ppm CO₂ were the baseline treatments, it was hence concluded that the elevated temperature and CO₂ levels tested did not seem to significantly impact fungal growth and mycotoxin production of acclimatised Fusarium isolates. To the best of our knowledge thus far, the present work described for the first time the effects of simulated climate change conditions on fungal growth and mycotoxin production of acclimatised isolates of F. verticillioides and F. graminearum.

Effectiveness of essential oil extracted from pompia leaves against Penicillium digitatum

BACKGROUND

In recent years, interest in the use of natural compounds as possible substitutes for chemicals, to prevent microbial food spoilage has grown. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils (EOs) is well known and nowadays there is renewed interest in their application as natural preservatives in postharvest management. The aims of this study were to characterize the EO extracted from pompia leaves and to evaluate its effectiveness for the control of the postharvest decay agent Penicillium digitatum, when applied as vapor contact in new airtight boxes, supplied with a heating system.

RESULTS

Fumigation was performed in vitro and on food using two concentrations of the EO, heated at controlled temperature. The headspace analysis revealed that the heating of the EO favored the evaporation of the volatile compounds, without altering their functionality. The treatments reduced the pathogen growth in vitro and rot on inoculated food by about 50%.

CONCLUSION

The chemical analysis of the vapor composition demonstrated that heating the oil did not alter the components and thus the antimicrobial effect of the oil. The treatment by vapor contact with the EO was effective in controlling the pathogen growth in vitro but, above all, it was successful in halving rot in vivo. Due to their bioactivity in the vapor phase, EOs could be delivered as fumigants during postharvest protection; however, the techniques commonly employed are not ideal for simulating real pre-treatment conditions. The new device allows real large-scale conditions to be reproduced. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Biochemical and histological characterization of succulent plant Tacitus bellus response to Fusarium verticillioides infection in vitro

We present changes in Tacitus bellus antioxidative system that specifically correspond to subsequent phases of hemibiotroph Fusarium verticillioides infection revealed by histological analysis. T. bellus response to spore germination 6 h post inoculation (hpi), manifested as first oxidative burst, was characterized by transient decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) content, transient increase in catalase (CAT), low level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity, as well as with transient decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenol content (TPC) and phenylalanine ammonium lyase activity (PAL), and no changes in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, or phenolic profile. During the biotrophic phase of F. verticillioides infection, characterized by hyphae spread intercellularly in epidermal and mesophyll tissue, the host antioxidative system was suppressed. The transition to necrotrophic phase of F. verticillioides infection (inter- and intracellular colonization and sporulation), occurred 3-4 days post inoculation (dpi). During the necrotrophic phase, 5-7 dpi, slowed progression of colonization of T. bellus mesophyll cells occurred and it coincided with sharp increase in MDA content and CAT, SOD and POD activities, but the drop in TAC, TPC content, and PPO activity, as well as the production of phytotoxin fusaric acid. Presented results add to the knowledge of events and mechanisms related to the transition from biotrophy to necrotrophy in F. verticillioides.

Rural Subsistence Maize Farming in South Africa: Risk Assessment and Intervention models for Reduction of Exposure to Fumonisin Mycotoxins

Maize is a staple crop in rural subsistence regions of southern Africa, is mainly produced for direct household consumption and is often contaminated with high levels of mycotoxins. Chronic exposure to mycotoxins is a risk factor for human diseases as it is implicated in the development of cancer, neural tube defects as well as stunting in children. Although authorities may set maximum levels, these regulations are not effective in subsistence farming communities. As maize is consumed in large quantities, exposure to mycotoxins will surpass safe levels even where the contamination levels are below the regulated maximum levels. It is clear that the lowering of exposure in these communities requires an integrated approach. Detailed understanding of agricultural practices, mycotoxin occurrence, climate change/weather patterns, human exposure and risk are warranted to guide adequate intervention programmes. Risk communication and creating awareness in affected communities are also critical. A range of biologically based products for control of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in maize have been developed and commercialised. Application of these methods is limited due to a lack of infrastructure and resources. Other challenges regarding integration and sustainability of technological and community-based mycotoxin reduction strategies include (i) food security, and (ii) the traditional use of mouldy maize.

Preliminary Study on the Use of Chitosan as an Eco-Friendly Alternative to Control Fusarium Growth and Mycotoxin Production on Maize and Wheat

The objectives of the present study were to determine the combined effects of chitosan and water activity (a_W) on growth and mycotoxin production in situ on the two most important Fusarium species (F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides) present on maize, and on F. graminearum, the main pathogen causing Fusarium head blight on wheat. Results showed that low-molecular-weight chitosan with more than 70% deacetylation at the lowest dose used (0.5 mg/g) was able to reduce deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin (FBs) production on irradiated maize and wheat grains. Growth rates of F. graminearum also decreased at the lowest chitosan dose used (0.5 mg/g), while F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum growth rates were reduced at 0.98 a_W at the highest chitosan dose used (2 mg/g). Since mycotoxins are unavoidable contaminants in food and feed chains, their presence needs to be reduced in order to minimize their effects on human and animal health and to diminish the annual market loss through rejected maize and wheat; in this scenario, pre- and post-harvest use of chitosan could be an important alternative.

Mycotoxins produced by Fusarium proliferatum and F. pseudonygamai on maize, sorghum and pearl millet grains in vitro

Maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) are basic staple foods for many rural or poorer communities. These crops are susceptible to plant diseases caused by multiple species of Fusarium, some of which also produce mycotoxins, including fumonisins and moniliformin that are detrimental to both humans and domesticated animals. Eighteen potentially toxigenic Fusarium strains were isolated from maize (n = 10), sorghum (n = 7) and pearl millet (n = 1) growing in the same field in Nigeria. The 17 strains from maize and sorghum were all F. proliferatum and the one strain from pearl millet was F. pseudonygamai. Under conducive conditions, the 17 F. proliferatum strains produced fumonisins, 11 in relatively large quantities (700-17,000 mg total fumonisins, i.e., FB₁ + FB₂ + FB₃/kg culture material), and six at <45 mg/kg. Ten F. proliferatum strains produced >100 mg of moniliformin per kg culture material with a maximum of 8900 mg/kg culture material. All strains could use all grains for growth and toxin production, regardless of the host from which they were isolated. Isolates varied in the amount of toxin produced on each substrate, with toxin production a property of the strain and not the host from which the strain was recovered. However, the extent to which a toxin-producing phenotype could be altered by the grain on which the fungus was grown is consistent with subtle genetic × environment interactions that require a larger data set than the one presented here to rigorously identify. In conclusion, there is significant variation in the ability of strains of F. proliferatum to produce fumonisins and moniliformin on maize, sorghum and millet. If the amount of toxin produced on the various grains in this study reflects real-world settings, e.g., poor storage, then the consumers of these contaminated grains could be exposed to mycotoxin levels that greatly exceed the tolerable daily intakes.

Fumonisins and their analogues in contaminated corn and its processed foods - a review

One of the food security problems faced worldwide is the occurrence of mycotoxins in grains and their foods. Fumonisins (FBs) are mycotoxins which are prevalent in corn (Zea mays L.) and its based foods. Their intake and exposure have been epidemiologically and inconclusively associated with oesophageal cancer and neural tube defects in humans, and other harmful health effects in animals. The toxic effects of FBs can be acute or chronic and these metabolites bioaccumulate mainly in liver and kidney tissues. Among FBs, fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) is the most relevant moiety although the 'hidden' forms produced after food thermal processes are becoming relevant. Corn is the grain most susceptible to Fusarium and FBs contamination and the mould growth is affected both by abiotic and biotic factors during grain maturation and storage. Mould counts are mainly affected by the grain water activity, the environmental temperature during grain maturation and insect damage. The abiotic factors affected by climatic change patterns have increased their incidence in other regions of the world. Among FBs, the hidden forms are the most difficult to detect and quantify. Single or combined physical, chemical and biological methods are emerging to significantly reduce FBs in processed foods and therefore diminish their toxicological effects.

Biologically Based Methods for Control of Fumonisin-Producing Fusarium Species and Reduction of the Fumonisins

Infection by the fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. and subsequent fumonisin contamination of maize adversely affect international trade and economy with deleterious effects on human and animal health. In developed countries high standards of the major food suppliers and retailers are upheld and regulatory controls deter the importation and local marketing of fumonisin-contaminated food products. In developing countries regulatory measures are either lacking or poorly enforced, due to food insecurity, resulting in an increased mycotoxin exposure. The lack and poor accessibility of effective and environmentally safe control methods have led to an increased interest in practical and biological alternatives to reduce fumonisin intake. These include the application of natural resources, including plants, microbial cultures, genetic material thereof, or clay minerals pre- and post-harvest. Pre-harvest approaches include breeding for resistant maize cultivars, introduction of biocontrol microorganisms, application of phenolic plant extracts, and expression of antifungal proteins and fumonisin degrading enzymes in transgenic maize cultivars. Post-harvest approaches include the removal of fumonisins by natural clay adsorbents and enzymatic degradation of fumonisins through decarboxylation and deamination by recombinant carboxylesterase and aminotransferase enzymes. Although, the knowledge base on biological control methods has expanded, only a limited number of authorized decontamination products and methods are commercially available. As many studies detailed the use of natural compounds in vitro, concepts in reducing fumonisin contamination should be developed further for application in planta and in the field pre-harvest, post-harvest, and during storage and food-processing. In developed countries an integrated approach, involving good agricultural management practices, hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) production, and storage management, together with selected biologically based treatments, mild chemical and physical treatments could reduce fumonisin contamination effectively. In rural subsistence farming communities, simple, practical, and culturally acceptable hand-sorting, maize kernel washing, and dehulling intervention methods proved to be effective as a last line of defense for reducing fumonisin exposure. Biologically based methods for control of fumonisin-producing Fusarium spp. and decontamination of the fumonisins could have potential commercial application, while simple and practical intervention strategies could also impact positively on food safety and security, especially in rural populations reliant on maize as a dietary staple.

In Vitro Production of Fumonisins by Fusarium verticillioides under Oxidative Stress Induced by H2O2

The effects of oxidative stress induced by H2O2 were tested in liquid cultures in the fumonisin-producing fungus Fusarium verticillioides. The quantitative analysis of fumonisins B1, B2, B3, and B4 was achieved by means of liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Two effects in F. verticillioides, consisting of different abilities to produce fumonisins in response to oxidative stress, were identified. Following H2O2 addition, two F. verticillioides strains produced significantly more fumonisin (>300%) while three other strains produced significantly less (<20%) in comparison to control cultures. Transcriptional studies with seven biosynthetic genes showed a significant increase in transcript levels in the strain that made more fumonisin and either no or minimal changes in the strain that made less fumonisin. Our data indicate the important role of oxidative stress toward the modulation of the fumonisin biosynthesis and suggest the necessity to verify the presence of such divergent behavior in F. verticillioides populations under natural conditions.

Fusarium temperatum and Fusarium subglutinans isolated from maize in Argentina

Fusarium temperatum and Fusarium subglutinans isolated from the Northwest region (NOA region) of Argentina were characterized using a polyphasic approach based on morphological, biological and molecular markers. Some interfertility between the species was observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the two species represented two clades strongly supported by bootstrap values. The toxigenic profile of the strains was also determined. F. temperatum strains were fusaproliferin and beauvericin producers, and only some strains were fumonisin B1 producers. All F. subglutinans strains produced fusaproliferin but none produced beauvericin, indicating a potential toxicological risk from maize harvested in the NOA region of Argentina. This study provides new information about F. temperatum isolated from maize in Argentina.

Combined effect of chitosan and water activity on growth and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum on maize-based media

The objectives of the present study were to determine the in vitro efficacy of chitosan (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mg/mL) under different water availabilities (0.995, 0.99, 0.98, 0.96 and 0.93) at 25°C on lag phase, growth rate and fumonisin production by isolates of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum. The presence of chitosan affected growth and fumonisin production, and this effect was dependent on the dose and aW treatment used. The presence of chitosan increased the lag phase, and reduced the growth rate of both Fusarium species significantly at all concentrations used, especially at 0.93 aW. Also, significant reduction of fumonisin production was observed in both Fusarium species at all conditions assayed. The present study has shown the combined effects of chitosan and aW on growth and fumonisin production by the two most important Fusarium species present on maize. Low molecular weight (Mw) chitosan with more than 70% of degree of deacetylation (DD) at 0.5mg/mL was able to significantly reduce growth rate and fumonisin production on maize-based media, with maximum levels of reduction in both parameters obtained at the highest doses used. As fumonisins are unavoidable contaminants in food and feed chains, their presence needs to be reduced to minimize their effects on human and animal health and to diminish the annual market loss through rejected maize. In this scenario post-harvest use of chitosan could be an important alternative treatment.

Fumonisin and T-2 toxin production of Fusarium spp. isolated from complete feed and individual agricultural commodities used in shrimp farming

Fusarium spp. are plant pathogens producing fumonisins and trichothecenes that both affect human and animal health. In the present study, 40 fungal strains were isolated and species identified from 35 shrimp feed samples and from 61 agricultural raw materials. F. verticillioides was the predominant species (85 %) mostly found in corn and soybean meal, while no Fusarium contamination was detected in shrimp feed. Levels of 10 % of F. oxysporum were isolated from peanut and 5 % of F. equiseti contamination in corn and peanut. To determine the ability of toxin production, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction, and ultra-pressure liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were performed. All but four of the fumonisin-producing strains contained the FUM1 gene. No Fusarium synthesized T-2 toxin nor contained the Tri5 gene. This survey brings more data on mycotoxin contamination in the food chain of animal feed production, and leads to the awareness of the use of contaminated raw materials in shrimp farming.

Effect of zinc compounds on Fusarium verticillioides growth, hyphae alterations, conidia, and fumonisin production

BACKGROUND

Several strategies are used to eliminate toxigenic fungi that produce fumonisins in grains. Fusarium verticillioides can be controlled by the application of synthetic fungicides in the field or during storage. However, there may also be residuals, which may remain in the foods. Inorganic compounds such as zinc are cheap, stable and could present strong antifungal activity. Some Zn compounds can be utilized as dietary supplements and are authorized for the fortification of foods. Knowing the advantages and that low concentrations of Zn can have antimicrobial activity, our objective was to evaluate the effects of Zn compounds on the growth of F. verticillioides and the production of fumonisin and conidia. In addition, we aimed to verify that Zn compounds cause morphological alterations of the hyphae, mortality and production of reactive oxygen species.

RESULTS

Zn compounds efficiently reduced fungal growth and fumonisin production. Treatment using zinc perchlorate gave the best results. All treatments inhibited conidia production and caused morphological alterations of the hyphae. It was possible to observe cell death and production of reactive oxygen species.

CONCLUSION

Zn compounds have advantages compared to other antifungal compounds. In particular, they are non-toxic for the organism in appropriate amounts. They could be studied further as potential fungicides in agriculture.

Evaluation of ability of ferulic acid to control growth and fumonisin production of Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum on maize based media

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ferulic acid (1, 10, 20 and 25 mM) at different water activity (aw) values (0.99, 0.98, 0.96 and 0.93) at 25 °C on growth and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum on maize based media. For both Fusarium species, the lag phase significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.001), and the growth rates increased (p ≤ 0.001) at the lowest ferulic acid concentration used (1mM), regardless of the aw. However, high doses of ferulic acid (10 to 25 mM) significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.001) the growth rate of both Fusarium species, regardless of the a(w). In general, growth rate inhibition increased as ferulic acid doses increased and as media aw decreased. Fumonisin production profiles of both Fusarium species showed that low ferulic acid concentrations (1-10mM) significantly increased (p ≤ 0.001) toxin production, regardless of the aw. High doses of ferulic acid (20-25 mM) reduced fumonisin production, in comparison with the controls, by both Fusarium species but they were not statistically significant in most cases. The results show that the use of ferulic acid as a post-harvest strategy to reduce mycotoxin accumulation on maize needs to be discussed.

Assessment of inhibitory potential of essential oils on natural mycoflora and Fusarium mycotoxins production in wheat

Background

In the last years essential oils from different plants were used in the prevention of fungi and mycotoxins accumulation in cereals. The most attractive aspect derived from using of essential oils as seed grains protectants is due to their non-toxicity. This study was focused on assessment the inhibitory effect of some essential oils: Melissa officinalis (O1), Salvia officinalis (O2), Coriandrum sativum (O3), Thymus vulgaris (O4) Mentha piperita (O5) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (O6) against natural mycoflora and Fusarium mycotoxins production correlated with their antioxidants properties.

Results

All essential oils showed inhibitory effect on fungal contamination of wheat seeds. This ability was dose-dependent. The highest inhibitory effect on Fusarium and Aspergillus fungi was recorded after 5 days of treatment. Fungi such as yeast (Pichia, Saccharomyces and Hyphopichia) were predominantly on seeds mycoflora after 22 days. Each treatment had a selective inhibitory effect on frequency of fungus genera. After 5 days of treatment the most fungicidal effect was recorder for O4, followed by O1. In terms of essential oils effect on mycotoxins development, the best control on fumonisins (FUMO) production was recorded for O6. The antioxidant properties of essential oils decreased in order: O4 > O1 > O6 > O5 > O2 > O3. Also, our data suggested that there is a significant negative correlation between antioxidant properties and seed contamination index (SCI), but there was not recorded a good correlation between antioxidant properties and FUMO content.

Conclusions

Based on proven antifungal and antimycotoxin effects as well as their antioxidant properties, the essential oils could be recommended as natural preservatives for stored cereals. The highest inhibition of fungal growth was noted after 5 days of treatment and decreased after 22 days.

Mycoflora and ochratoxin a control in wheat grain using natural extracts obtained from wine industry by-products

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some natural extracts obtained from grape pomace (GPE) and grape seeds (GSE) as compared to a synthetic food, antioxidant-butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), in order to control fungal population and ochratoxin A (OTA) production in naturally contaminated wheat. The results showed that the addition of these extracts was efficient with OTA content decreasing. On treatment with these extracts the loss of OTA content after 14 days was in the range 7.8-28.3% relative to the control sample, but increased up to 26.48-37% after 28 days. The highest loss in OTA content was recorded for treatment with GPE at the 500 ppm level. Regarding the fungal development, the obtained results show that the total fungal populations were significantly reduced by using natural extracts. The most efficient extract was GPE. Both BHT and GPE inhibit the growth of Penicillium verrrucosum, for all doses, but less with Aspergillus genera. GPE affects the growth of other types of moulds such as Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria infectoria and Cladosporium herbarum. Our data suggested that GPE and GSE are able to provide fungicidal and fungistatic protection and to control the OTA accumulation in wheat, at least in a similar manner to BHT.

Effect of antioxidant mixtures on growth and ochratoxin a production of Aspergillus section Nigri species under different water activity conditions on peanut meal extract agar

The effect of mixtures of antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) and propyl paraben (PP) on lag phase, growth rate and ochratoxin A (OTA) production by four Aspergillus section Nigri strains was evaluated on peanut meal extract agar (PMEA) under different water activities (a(w)). The antioxidant mixtures used were: BHA + PP (mM), M1 (0.5 + 0.5), M2 (1.0 + 0.5), M3 (2.5 + 0.5), M4 (0.5 + 1.0), M5 (1.0 + 1.0), M6 (2.5 + 1.0), M7 (5.0 + 2.5) and M8 (10 + 2.5). The mixture M8 completely suppressed mycelial growth for all strains. A significant stimulation in OTA production was observed with mixtures M1 to M5 mainly at the highest a(w); whereas M6, M7 and M8 completely inhibited OTA production in all strains assayed; except M6 in A. carbonarius strain (RCP G). These results could enable a future intervention strategy to minimize OTA contamination.

Effect of temperature and water activity on the production of fumonisins by Aspergillus niger and different Fusarium species

BACKGROUND

Fumonisins are economically important mycotoxins which until recently were considered to originate from only a few Fusarium species. However recently a putative fumonisin gene cluster was discovered in two different Aspergillus niger strains followed by detection of an actual fumonisin B2 (FB2) production in four strains of this biotechnologically important workhorse.

RESULTS

In the present study, a screening of 5 A. niger strains and 25 assumed fumonisin producing Fusarium strains from 6 species, showed that all 5 A. niger strains produced FB2 and 23 of 25 Fusarium produced fumonisin B1 and other isoforms (fumonisin B2 and B3). Five A. niger and five Fusarium spp. were incubated at six different temperatures from 15-42 degrees C on Czapek Yeast Agar +5% salt or Potato Dextrose Agar. A. niger had the highest production of FB2 at 25-30 degrees C whereas Fusarium spp. had the maximal production of FB1 and FB2 at 20-25 degrees C. Addition of 2.5-5% NaCl, or 10-20% sucrose increased the FB2 production of A. niger, whereas addition of glycerol reduced FB2 production. All three water activity lowering solutes reduced the fumonisin production of the Fusarium species.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that the regulation of fumonisin production is very different in A. niger and Fusarium, and that food and feeds preserved by addition of sugar or salts may be good substrates for fumonisin B2 production by A. niger.

Use of propyl paraben to control growth and ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus section Nigri species on peanut meal extract agar

This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the phenolic antioxidant propyl paraben (PP) under different interacting water activity (a(W)) and temperature regimes on lag phase, growth rate and Ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus section Nigri strains. In this experiment six Aspergillus section Nigri strains were used. Peanut meal extract agar (PMEA) was prepared at 2%. The a(W) of the medium was adjusted to 0.995, 0.980 and 0.930, PP levels of 1, 5, 10 and 20 mmol/L were added to the basic medium. Plates were inoculated and incubated for 30 days at 18 and 25 degrees C. Lag phase (h) and radial growth rates (mm/day) were calculated. In control treatments, the lag phase increased and the growth rate decreased as a(W) reduced in all assayed strains. At all a(W) levels, when antioxidant concentrations increased the growth rate decreased. At 5, 10 and 20 mmol/L of PP the strains were not able to reach the exponential phase and completely inhibited fungal growth and OTA production regardless of a(W) used in all the evaluated strains.

Ferulic acid, an efficient inhibitor of type B trichothecene biosynthesis and Tri gene expression in Fusarium liquid cultures

The effect of ferulic acid, the most abundant phenolic acid in wheat bran, was studied in vitro on type B trichothecene biosynthesis by Fusarium. It was demonstrated that ferulic acid is an efficient inhibitor of mycotoxin production by all strains of Fusarium tested, including different chemotypes and species. To analyse the mechanism of toxin biosynthesis inhibition by ferulic acid, expression of representative Tri genes, involved in the trichothecene biosynthesis pathway, was monitored by real-time RT-PCR. A decrease in the level of Tri gene expression was measured, suggesting that inhibition of toxin synthesis by ferulic acid could be regulated at the transcriptional level. Moreover, toxin production was shown to be reduced proportionally to the initial amount of ferulic acid added in the culture medium. Addition of ferulic acid either at the spore germination step or to a mycelial culture resulted in the same final inhibitory effect on mycotoxin accumulation. A cumulative inhibitory effect on trichothecene biosynthesis was even observed with successive supplementation of ferulic acid. Ferulic acid, which content varies among wheat varieties, could then play an important role in modulating trichothecene biosynthesis by Fusarium in some wheat varieties.

Systemic Infection by Fusarium verticillioides in Maize Plants Grown Under Three Temperature Regimes

Fusarium verticillioides causes seedling decay, stalk rot, ear rot, and mycotoxin contamination (primarily fumonisins) in maize. Systemic infection of maize plants by F. verticillioides can lead to kernel infection, but the frequency of this phenomenon has varied widely among experiments. Variation in the incidence of systemic infection has been attributed to environmental factors. In order to better understand the influence of environment, we investigated the effect of temperature on systemic development of F. verticillioides during vegetative and reproductive stages of plant development. Maize seeds were inoculated with a green fluorescent protein-expressing strain of F. verticillioides, and grown in growth chambers under three different temperature regimes. In the vegetative-stage and reproductive-stage experiments, plants were evaluated at tasseling (VT stage), and at physiological maturity (R6 stage), respectively. Independently of the temperature treatment, F. verticillioides was reisolated from nearly 100% of belowground plant tissues. Frequency of reisolation of the inoculated strain declined acropetally in aboveground internodes at all temperature regimes. At VT, the high-temperature treatment had the highest systemic development of F. verticillioides in aboveground tissues. At R6, incidence of systemic infection was greater at both the high- and low-temperature regimes than at the average-temperature regime. F. verticillioides was isolated from higher internodes in plants at R6, compared to stage VT. The seed-inoculated strain was recovered from kernels of mature plants, although incidence of kernel infection did not differ significantly among treatments. During the vegetative growth stages, temperature had a significant effect on systemic development of F. verticillioides in stalks. At R6, the fungus reached higher internodes in the high-temperature treatment, but temperature did not have an effect on the incidence of kernels (either symptomatic or asymptomatic) or ear peduncles infected with the inoculated strain. These results support the role of high temperatures in promoting systemic infection of maize by F. verticillioides, but plant-to-seed transmission may be limited by other environmental factors that interact with temperature during the reproductive stages.

In vitro influence of bacterial mixtures on Fusarium verticillioides growth and fumonisin B1 production: effect of seeds treatment on maize root colonization

AIMS

Enterobacter cloacae, Microbacterium oleovorans, Pseudomonas solanacearum and Bacillus subtilis were investigated in order to evaluate: (i) the inoculum size of two bacterial mixtures on Fusarium verticillioides growth and fumonisin B1 production in vitro at different water activities and (ii) the efficacy of a seed treatment with the best bacterial mixture on F. verticillioides root colonization in greenhouse studies.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The influence of bacterial mixtures (1 = E. cloacae and M. oleovorans and 2 = P. solanacearum and B. subtilis) to antagonize 13 F. verticillioides strains at different inoculum concentrations (10(8), 10(9) and 10(10) cells ml(-1)) and water activities (0.937, 0.955 and 0.982 aW) were examined. Antibiosis, growth rate and fumonisin B1 production were determined. Bacterial mixture 1 proved to exert the most effective control. Seed treatment with mixture 1 at 10(8) cells ml(-1) had the best inhibitory effect on F. verticillioides root colonization.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the combination E. cloacae and M. oleovorans has the potential for the biological control of F. verticillioides as a maize seed inoculant.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The application of this knowledge contributes to prevent the vertical transmission of F. verticillioides.

Biocontrol of Bacillus subtilis against Fusarium verticillioides in vitro and at the maize root level

Bacillus species as a group offer several advantages over other bacteria for protection against root pathogens because of their ability to form endospores, and because of the broad-spectrum activity of their antibiotics. The objectives of this work were to determine the ability of strains of Bacillus to inhibit Fusarium verticillioides growth and fumonisin B(1) accumulation in vitro, and to evaluate the ability of the best bacterium for preventing rhizosphere and endorhizosphere colonization by F. verticillioides. Bacterial populations from the maize rhizoplane were obtained, and the capacity of ten Bacillus strains to inhibit fungal growth and fumonisin B(1) accumulation in vitro was assayed. According to these results, B. subtilis CE1 was selected as the best antagonist for testing maize root colonization of F. verticillioides. Bacillus subtilis CE1 at 10(8) and 10(7) CFU ml(-1) inocula was able to reduce rhizoplane and endorhizosphere colonization of F. verticillioides in greenhouse trials. The strain B. subtilis CE1 could be a potential biological control agent against F. verticillioides at the root level.

Rhizobacteria and their potential to control Fusarium verticillioides: effect of maize bacterisation and inoculum density

Fusarium verticillioides is the most important seed transmitted pathogen that infects maize. It produces fumonisins, toxins that have potential toxicity for humans and animals. Control of F. verticillioides colonisation and systemic contamination of maize has become a priority area in food safety research. The aims of this research were (1) to characterise the maize endorhizosphere and rhizoplane inhabitant bacteria and Fusarium spp., (2) to select bacterial strains with impact on F. verticillioides growth and fumonisin B1 production in vitro, (3) to examine the effects of bacterial inoculum levels on F. verticillioides root colonisation under greenhouse conditions. Arthrobacter spp. and Azotobacter spp. were the predominant genera isolated from maize endorhizosphere and rhizoplane at the first sampling period, whilst F. verticillioides strains showed the greatest counts at the same isolation period. All F. verticillioides strains were able to produce fumonisin B1 in maize cultures. Arthrobacter globiformis RC5 and Azotobacter armeniacus RC2, used alone or in a mix, demonstrated important effects on F. verticillioides growth and fumonisin B1 suppression in vitro. Only Azotobacter armeniacus RC2 significantly reduced the F. verticillioides root colonisation at 10(6) and 10(7) CFU g(-1) levels under greenhouse conditions.

Screening procedures for selecting rhizobacteria with biocontrol effects upon Fusarium verticillioides growth and fumonisin B1 production

Screening is a critical step in the discovery of microbial agents that can exert biological control of Fusarium verticillioides at the root level. The objectives of this research were to determine the utility of a niche overlap index to realise the first screening of maize rhizobacterial isolates during different water activities. Studies were conducted to evaluate various methods for second screening with different modes of action. The antifungal activity of bacterial isolates through antibiosis assay was checked and the influence of different isolates on Fusarium verticilliodes growth and fumonisin B(1) was studied. Eleven competitive rhizobacterial isolates (Arthrobacter globiformis RC1, Azotobacter armeniacus RC2, A. armeniacus RC3, A. globiformis RC4, A. globiformis RC5, A. armeniacus RC6, Pseudomonas solanacearum RC7, Bacillus subtilis RC8, B. subtilis RC9, P. solanacearum RC10, B. subtilis RC11) were selected for the studies which followed. All bacteria were able to utilise the widest range of carbon sources and showed the highest niche overlap indices at the water activities tested. All bacterial antagonists reduced fumonisin B(1) production at all levels tested. Isolates belonging to Pseudomonas and Bacillus genera significantly inhibited fumonisin B(1) production, which ranged between 70 and 100%. Also, A. armeniacus RC2 caused important fumonisin B(1) reduction. The results of the present work suggest that A. armeniacus RC2, A. armeniacus RC3, B. subtilis RC8, B. subtilis RC9, B. subtilis RC11, P. solanacearum RC7, and P. solanacearum RC10 could have practical value in the control of F. verticillioides root colonisation. This paper is part of an on-going study to determine their application at the field level.

Potential use of antioxidants for control of growth and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum on whole maize grain

The effect of interactions between two food grade antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and propyl paraben (PP, 100, 200, 500 microg g(-1)) and water activity (a(w), 0.995, 0.98, 0.95) of irradiated maize on lag phase prior to growth, growth rate and fumonisin production by Fusarium verticillioides and Fusarium proliferatum was evaluated at 25 degrees C. Both antioxidants had an effect on growth characteristics, and fumonisin production. However, this was dependent on the dose used and the a(w) treatment. At 500 microg g(-1) BHA and PP increased the lag phase prior to growth, and reduced the growth rate of both Fusarium species significantly, especially at 0.95 a(w). Both antioxidants significantly reduced the production of fumonisin by both Fusarium species, especially at 0.98 and 0.95 a(w). These results suggest that these antioxidants have potential for treatment of maize grain for controlling growth of these mycotoxigenic species and prevent fumonisin accumulation.