A directional fibre optic ultrasound transmitter based on a reduced graphene oxide and polydimethylsiloxane composite

Strongly directional ultrasound sources are desirable for many minimally invasive applications, as they enable high-quality imaging in the presence of positioning uncertainty. All-optical ultrasound is an emerging paradigm that exhibits high frequencies, large bandwidths, and a strong miniaturisation potential. Here, we report the design, modelling, and fabrication of a highly directional fibre-optic ultrasound transmitter that uses a composite of reduced graphene oxide and polydimethylsiloxane as the optical ultrasound generator. The ultrasound transmitter, which had an outer diameter of just 630 μm, generated ultrasound with a pressure exceeding 0.4 MPa for axial distances up to 16 mm, at a large bandwidth of 24.3 MHz. The ultrasound beam exhibited low divergence, with a beam diameter ranging between 0.6 and 2.1 mm for distances between 0 and 16 mm. The presented directional optical ultrasound source is hence well-suited to high-resolution interventional imaging.

Instrumentation for Multi-modal Spectroscopic Diagnosis of Epithelial Dysplasia

Reflectance and fluorescence spectroscopies have shown great promise for early detection of epithelial dysplasia. We have developed a clinical reflectance spectrofluorimeter for multimodal spectroscopic diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia. This clinical instrument, the FastEEM, collects white light reflectance and fluorescence excitation-emission matrices (EEM's) within a fraction of a second. In this paper we describe the FastEEM instrumentation, designed for collection of multi-modal spectroscopic data. We illustrate its performance using tissue phantoms with well defined optical properties and biochemicals of known fluorescence properties. In addition, we discuss our plans to develop a system that combines a multi-spectral imaging device for wide area surveillance with this contact probe device.

Music-of-light stethoscope: a demonstration of the photoacoustic effect

In this paper we present a system aimed at demonstrating the photoacoustic (PA) effect for educational purposes. PA imaging is a hybrid imaging modality that requires no contrast agent and has a great potential for spine and brain lesion characterisation, breast cancer and blood flow monitoring notably in the context of fetal surgery. It relies on combining light excitation with ultrasound reception. Our brief was to present and explain PA imaging in a public-friendly way suitable for a variety of ages and backgrounds.

We developed a simple, accessible demonstration unit using readily available materials. We used a modulated light emitting diode (LED) torch and an electronic stethoscope. The output of a music player was used for light modulation and the chest piece of the stethoscope covered by a black tape was used as an absorbing target and an enclosed chamber.

This demonstration unit was presented to the public at the Bloomsbury Festival On Light in October 2015. Our stall was visited by over 100 people of varying ages. Twenty families returned in-depth evaluation questionnaires, which show that our explanations of the photoacoustic effect were well understood. Their interest in biomedical engineering was increased.

Analysis of fumonisin contamination and the presence of Fusarium in wheat with kernel black point disease in the United States

The ability of the fungus Fusarium proliferatum to cause kernel black point disease in wheat was previously established, but natural contamination of black point wheat with both F. proliferatum and fumonisin mycotoxins has not been studied in the United States. Low levels of fumonisins were detected in nine of 43 wheat samples with kernel black point disease that were obtained from across the United States. A subset of samples was contaminated with F. proliferatum as well as with F. fujikuroi, F. nygamai, F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides, species closely related to F. proliferatum and morphologically similar to it in that they produce chains of asexual spores, or conidia. Nevertheless, of conidial chain-forming fusaria isolated from symptomatic wheat, F. proliferatum dominated. In greenhouse tests, isolates of F. proliferatum and the other species recovered from wheat samples were able to cause symptoms of kernel black point and, in some cases, low levels of fumonisin contamination of wheat. These data add to the understanding of the risk of fumonisin contamination of wheat and the potential for Fusarium species to cause kernel black point disease and fumonisin contamination of wheat. Further, the results of this study indicate that while US-grown wheat can sporadically be contaminated by fumonisins, the natural contamination levels seem to be low. The observations made provide evidence that fumonisins are not likely to be a factor contributing to the ability of Fusarium to cause kernel black point disease.

Evidence that a secondary metabolic biosynthetic gene cluster has grown by gene relocation during evolution of the filamentous fungus Fusarium

Trichothecenes are terpene-derived secondary metabolites produced by multiple genera of filamentous fungi, including many plant pathogenic species of Fusarium. These metabolites are of interest because they are toxic to animals and plants and can contribute to pathogenesis of Fusarium on some crop species. Fusarium graminearum and F. sporotrichioides have trichothecene biosynthetic genes (TRI) at three loci: a 12-gene TRI cluster and two smaller TRI loci that consist of one or two genes. Here, comparisons of additional Fusarium species have provided evidence that TRI loci have a complex evolutionary history that has included loss, non-functionalization and rearrangement of genes as well as trans-species polymorphism. The results also indicate that the TRI cluster has expanded in some species by relocation of two genes into it from the smaller loci. Thus, evolutionary forces have driven consolidation of TRI genes into fewer loci in some fusaria but have maintained three distinct TRI loci in others.

From yellow rain to green wheat: 25 years of trichothecene biosynthesis research

Trichothecene biosynthesis research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Peoria, IL, began in 1984 in response to concerns about the use of trichothecenes in biological warfare, but continued as a long-term research program on the intractable problem of trichothecene contamination of human foods and animal feeds. Over 25 years, the trichothecene biosynthesis research group integrated natural product chemistry with fungal genetics and plant pathology in the laboratory and in the field to understand how and why Fusarium species make these complex and highly toxic metabolites. This interdisciplinary research placed trichothecenes in the unique class of fungal metabolites that not only cause mycotoxicoses in animals but also are virulence factors in plant disease.

Natural product chemistry meets genetics: when is a genotype a chemotype?

The chemotype of a microbial or plant species has traditionally been defined as its profile of natural products, and the genotype has been defined as its genetic constitution or DNA sequence. The purpose of this perspective is to discuss applications of DNA genotyping, particularly by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplification methods, to predicting natural product chemotypes of fungi and plants of importance in food and agriculture. Development of PCR genotyping for predicting chemotypes will require collaboration between molecular biologists and natural product chemists, as well as community standards for reporting data. PCR genotyping should be validated by chemical analysis of individuals that represent the allelic diversity of the target gene in the population. To avoid misinterpretation, it is critical to differentiate data obtained by genotyping from data obtained by chemical analysis. The obvious and appropriate solution is to retain the established meanings of genotype and chemotype, both of which have been in use for half a century in the fields of genetics and natural product chemistry.

Gibberella ear rot of maize (Zea mays) in Nepal: distribution of the mycotoxins nivalenol and deoxynivalenol in naturally and experimentally infected maize

The fungus Fusarium graminearum (sexual stage Gibberella zeae) causes ear rot of maize (Zea mays) and contamination with the 8-ketotrichothecenes nivalenol (1) or 4-deoxynivalenol (2), depending on diversity of the fungal population for the 4-oxygenase gene (TRI13). To determine the importance of 1 and 2 in maize ear rot, a survey of naturally contaminated maize in Nepal was combined with experiments in the field and in a plant growth room. In the survey, 1 contamination was 4-fold more frequent than 2 contamination and 1-producers (TRI13) were isolated more than twice as frequently as 2-producers (Psi TRI13). In maize ear rot experiments, genetically diverse 1-producers and 2-producers caused ear rot and trichothecene contamination. Among strains with the same genetic background, however, 1-producers caused less ear rot and trichothecene contamination than did 2-producers. The high frequency of 1 contamination and the high virulence of many 1-producers are of concern because maize is a staple food of rural populations in Nepal and because 1 has proven to be more toxic than 2 to animals.

Wheat kernel black point and fumonisin contamination by Fusarium proliferatum

Fusarium proliferatum is a major cause of maize ear rot and fumonisin contamination and also can cause wheat kernel black point disease. The primary objective of this study was to determine whether nine F. proliferatum strains from wheat from Nepal can cause black point and fumonisin contamination in wheat kernels. For comparison, the study included three Fusarium strains from US maize. In test 1, all the strains but one produced significant symptoms of kernel black point; two strains decreased kernel yield; and four strains contaminated kernels with fumonisins B(1), B(2) and B(3) as determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Strain Ggm202 from Nepal, which produced the highest levels of fumonisins (mean = 49 microg g(-1)) on five wheat cultivars in test 1, was confirmed to produce fumonisins (mean = 38 microg g(-1)) on two cultivars in test 2. The data indicate a potential for fumonisin contamination of wheat infected with F. proliferatum.

High-speed polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging with frequency multiplexing

Polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) provides a cross-sectional image of birefringence in biological samples that is complementary in many applications to the standard reflectance-based image. Recent ex vivo studies have demonstrated that birefringence mapping enables the characterization of collagen and smooth muscle concentration and distribution in vascular tissues. Instruments capable of applying these measurements percutaneously in vivo may provide new insights into coronary atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction. We have developed a polarization sensitive optical frequency domain imaging (PS-OFDI) system that enables high-speed intravascular birefringence imaging through a fiber-optic catheter. The novel design of this system utilizes frequency multiplexing to simultaneously measure reflectance of two incident polarization states, overcoming concerns regarding temporal variations of the catheter fiber birefringence and spatial variations in the birefringence of the sample. We demonstrate circular cross-sectional birefringence imaging of a human coronary artery ex vivo through a flexible fiber-optic catheter with an A-line rate of 62 kHz and a ranging depth of 6.2 mm.

Increased ranging depth in optical frequency domain imaging by frequency encoding

A technique for increasing the ranging depth in optical frequency domain imaging utilizing frequency encoding is presented. Ranging depth is enhanced by using two interferometer reference arms with different path lengths and independent modulation frequencies (25 and 50 MHz). With this configuration, the sensitivity decreases by 6 dB over a depth range of 7 mm, approximately a threefold improvement over the conventional optical frequency domain imaging technique. We demonstrate that the reference arm frequency separation, tuning speed, center wavelength, and instantaneous coherence length determine the signal-to-cross-talk ratio.

Structure-activity relationships of trichothecene toxins in an Arabidopsis thaliana leaf assay

Many Fusarium species produce trichothecenes, sesquiterpene epoxides that differ in patterns of oxygenation and esterification at carbon positions C-3, C-4, C-7, C-8, and C-15. For the first comprehensive and quantitative comparison of the effects of oxygenation and esterification on trichothecene phytotoxicity, we tested 24 precursors, intermediates, and end products of the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway in an Arabidopsis thaliana detached leaf assay. At 100 microM, the highest concentration tested, only the trichothecene precursor trichodiene was nontoxic. Among trichothecenes, toxicity varied more than 200-fold. Oxygenation at C-4, C-8, C-7/8, or C-15 was, on average, as likely to decrease as to increase toxicity. Esterification at C-4, C-8, or C-15 generally increased toxicity. Esterification at C-3 increased toxicity in one case and decreased toxicity in three of eight cases tested. Thus, the increase in structural complexity along the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway in Fusarium is not necessarily associated with an increase in phytotoxicity.

Evidence for recombination and segregation of virulence to pine in a hybrid cross between Gibberella circinata and G. subglutinans

Two species associated with the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex, G. circinata (the cause of pitch canker in pines) and G. subglutinans (avirulent on pine), were found to have limited interfertility in hybrid crosses. MAT idiomorphs, polymorphisms in the histone H3 gene, vegetative compatibility, and virulence phenotypes were used to verify recombination. The MAT idiomorphs appeared to be assorting independently, but the histone H3 haplotype was disproportionately represented by that of the G. subglutinans parent. Ninety-eight percent (45/46) of the progeny tested were vegetatively incompatible with both parents. All F(1) progeny were avirulent to pine, but a wide range of virulence was restored through a backcross to the virulent parent (G. circinata). Attempts at hybrid crosses using other isolate combinations were rarely successful (1/26). This limited interfertility supports retention of G. circinata and G. subglutinans as separate species, but offers opportunities to characterize the inheritance of virulence to pine.

Estimation of the scattering coefficients of turbid media using angle-resolved optical frequency-domain imaging

Noninvasive measurements of the scattering coefficients of optically turbid media using angle-resolved optical frequency-domain imaging (OFDI) are demonstrated. It is shown that, by incoherently averaging OFDI reflectance signals acquired at different backscattering angles, speckle noise is reduced, allowing scattering coefficients to be extracted from a single A-line with much higher accuracy than with measurements from conventional OFDI and optical coherence tomography systems. Modeling speckle as a random phasor sum, the relationship between the measurement accuracy and the number of compounded angles is derived. The sensitivity analysis is validated with measurements from a tissue phantom.

Angle-resolved optical coherence tomography with sequential angular selectivity for speckle reduction

We present a novel method for rapidly acquiring optical coherence tomography (OCT) images at multiple backscattering angles. By angularly compounding these images, high levels of speckle reduction were achieved. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) improvements of 3.4 dB were obtained from a homogeneous tissue phantom, which was in good agreement with the predictions of a statistical model of speckle that incorporated the optical parameters of the imaging system. In addition, the fast acquisition rate of the system (10 kHz A-line repetition rate) allowed angular compounding to be performed in vivo without significant motion artifacts. Speckle-reduced OCT images of human dermis show greatly improved delineation of tissue microstructure.

A novel gene cluster in Fusarium graminearum contains a gene that contributes to butenolide synthesis

The development of expressed sequence tag (EST) databases, directed transformation and a sequenced genome has facilitated the functional analysis of Fusarium graminearum genes. Extensive analysis of 10,397 ESTs, derived from thirteen cDNA libraries of F. graminearum grown under diverse conditions, identified a novel cluster of eight genes (gene loci fg08077-fg08084) located within a 17kb region of genomic sequence contig 1.324. The expression of these genes is concomitantly up-regulated under growth conditions that promote mycotoxin production. Gene disruption and add-back experiments followed by metabolite analysis of the transformants indicated that one of the genes, fg08079, is involved in butenolide synthesis. The mycotoxin butenolide is produced by several Fusarium species and has been suggested, but not proven, to be associated with tall fescue toxicoses in grazing cattle. This is the first report of the identification of a gene involved in the biosynthetic pathway of butenolide.

Complete genetic linkage maps from an interspecific cross between Fusarium circinatum and Fusarium subglutinans

The Gibberella fujikuroi complex includes many plant pathogens of agricultural crops and trees, all of which have anamorphs assigned to the genus Fusarium. In this study, an interspecific hybrid cross between Gibberella circinata and Gibberella subglutinans was used to compile a genetic linkage map. A framework map was constructed using a total of 578 AFLP markers together with the mating type (MAT-1 and MAT-2) genes and the histone (H3) gene. Twelve major linkage groups were identified (n=12). Fifty percent of the markers showed significant deviation from the expected 1:1 transmission ratio in a haploid F(1) cross (P <0.05). The transmission of the markers on the linkage map was biased towards alleles of the G. subglutinans parent, with an estimated 60% of the genome of F(1) individuals contributed by this parent. This map will serve as a powerful tool to study the genetic architecture of interspecific differentiation and pathogenicity in the two parental genomes.

Maize ear rot and moniliformin contamination by cryptic species of Fusarium subglutinans

Fusarium subglutinans causes maize ear rot and contaminates grain with the mycotoxin moniliformin. Previous DNA sequence analysis divided F. subglutinans from maize into two cryptic species, designated groups 1 and 2. Here, it was determined whether the two groups differ in the agriculturally important traits of virulence on maize and moniliformin production in planta. Thirty-seven strains from U.S. maize were assigned to groups 1 and 2 by DNA sequence analysis. In field tests, all strains were highly virulent on maize inbred B73 and four maize hybrids. In planta, 82% of group 1 strains and 25% of group 2 strains produced high levels (100-1500 microg/g) of moniliformin. All group 2 strains from more northern states produced little or no moniliformin (0-5 microg/g). These data indicate that moniliformin production is highly variable in F. subglutinans from U.S. maize and that production may not be required for the fungus to cause maize ear rot.

Speckle Reduction in OCT using Massively-Parallel Detection and Frequency-Domain Ranging

Speckle noise significantly limits the information content provided by coherent optical imaging methods such as optical coherence tomography and its recent derivative, optical frequency-domain imaging (OFDI). In this paper, we demonstrate a novel OFDI system that simultaneously acquires hundreds of angularly resolved images, which can be compounded to reduce speckle noise. The system comprises an InGaAs line-scan camera and an interferometer, configured so that the elements of the detector array simultaneously capture light spanning a backscattering angular range of 32 degrees. On successive read-outs of the array, the wavelength of the laser source was stepped through a range of 130 nm centered at 1295 nm to concurrently generate 400 angle-resolved OFDI images. A theory of angle-resolved OFDI and the design equations of the system are presented. Incoherent averaging of the angle-resolved data is shown to yield substantial speckle reduction (as high as an 8 dB SNR improvement) in images of a tissue phantom and esophageal tissue ex vivo.

Fumonisin production in the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides: genetic basis of naturally occurring chemical variation

Fumonisins are polyketide-derived mycotoxins produced by the maize pathogen Fusarium verticillioides. Previous analyses identified naturally occurring variants of the fungus that are deficient in fumonisin C-10 hydroxylation or that do not produce any fumonisins. In the current study, gene deletion and genetic complementation analyses localized the C-10 hydroxylation deficiency to a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene in the fumonisin biosynthetic gene (FUM) cluster. Sequence analysis indicated that the hydroxylation deficiency resulted from a single nucleotide insertion that caused a frame shift in the coding region of the gene. Genetic complementation localized the fumonisin-nonproduction phenotype to the polyketide synthase gene in the FUM cluster, and sequence analysis indicated that the nonproduction phenotype resulted from a nucleotide substitution, which introduced a premature stop codon in the coding region. These results provide the first direct evidence that altered fumonisin production phenotypes of naturally occurring F. verticillioides variants can result from single point mutations in the FUM cluster.

Identification and heritability of fumonisin insensitivity in Zea mays

Landraces of maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and its wild teosinte relatives (Zea mays spp. parviglumis and mexicana) were surveyed for sensitivity to fumonisin B(1), a phytotoxin produced by the maize pathogen Gibberella moniliformis. Only two of 42 Z. mays samples were highly insensitive to FB(1) (ED(50) = ca. 200 microM). The teosintes and 76% of the maize landraces were moderately or highly sensitive to FB(1) (ED(50) < or = 30 microM), which indicates that FB(1) sensitivity is likely to be an ancestral trait in Z. mays. F(1) generations derived from crosses between FB(1)-sensitive maize inbred B73 and insensitive landraces were significantly less sensitive than B73. Thus, our data indicate that FB(1)-insensitivity is a relatively rare but heritable trait in maize. We also report the sensitivity of maize to other Gibberella toxins - beauvericin, diacetoxyscirpenol, and moniliformin.

Patterns of trichothecene production, genetic variability, and virulence to wheat of Fusarium graminearum from smallholder farms in Nepal

Fusarium graminearum causes wheat head blight and contaminates grain with the trichothecenes 4-deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. Sequence analysis of trichothecene genes indicates that nivalenol production is the ancestral trait; however, deoxynivalenol producers occur worldwide and predominate in North and South America and in Europe. Analysis of a large field population (>500 strains) from Nepal identified three groups that were both genetically distinct and polymorphic for trichothecene production: SCAR1 comprising 95% deoxynivalenol producers, SCAR2 comprising 94% nivalenol producers, and SCAR3/5 comprising 34% deoxynivalenol producers/63% nivalenol producers. The ability to cause wheat head blight differed between SCAR groups and trichothecene chemotypes: deoxynivalenol producers were more virulent than nivalenol producers across all three SCAR groups and within the SCAR3/5 genetic background. These data support the hypothesis that production of deoxynivalenol rather than nivalenol confers a selective advantage to this important wheat pathogen.

Tri1 in Fusarium graminearum encodes a P450 oxygenase

Gibberella zeae (asexual state Fusarium graminearum) is a major causal agent of wheat head blight and maize ear rot in North America and is responsible for contamination of grain with deoxynivalenol and related trichothecene mycotoxins. To identify additional trichothecene biosynthetic genes, cDNA libraries were prepared from fungal cultures under trichothecene-inducing conditions in culture and in planta. A gene designated LH1 that was highly expressed under these conditions exhibited only moderate (59%) similarity to known trichothecene biosynthetic cytochrome P450s. To determine the function of LH1, gene disruptants were produced and assessed for trichothecene production. Gene disruptants no longer produced 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, which is oxygenated at carbon 7 (C-7) and C-8, but rather accumulated calonectrin and 3-deacetylcalonectrin, which are not oxygenated at either C-7 or C-8. These results indicate that gene LH1 encodes a cytochrome P450 responsible for oxygenation at one or both of these positions. Despite the relatively low level of DNA and amino acid sequence similarity between the two genes, LH1 from G. zeae is the probable homologue of Tri1, which encodes a cytochrome P450 required for C-8 oxygenation in F. sporotrichioides.

Deletion and complementation of the mating type (MAT) locus of the wheat head blight pathogen Gibberella zeae

Gibberella zeae, a self-fertile, haploid filamentous ascomycete, causes serious epidemics of wheat (Triticum aestivum) head blight worldwide and contaminates grain with trichothecene mycotoxins. Anecdotal evidence dating back to the late 19th century indicates that G. zeae ascospores (sexual spores) are a more important inoculum source than are macroconidia (asexual spores), although the fungus can produce both during wheat head blight epidemics. To develop fungal strains to test this hypothesis, the entire mating type (MAT1) locus was deleted from a self-fertile (MAT1-1/MAT1-2), virulent, trichothecene-producing wild-type strain of G. zeae. The resulting MAT deletion (mat1-1/mat1-2) strains were unable to produce perithecia or ascospores and appeared to be unable to mate with the fertile strain from which they were derived. Complementation of a MAT deletion strain by transformation with a copy of the entire MAT locus resulted in recovery of production of perithecia and ascospores. MAT deletion strains and MAT-complemented strains retained the ability to produce macroconidia that could cause head blight, as assessed by direct injection into wheat heads in greenhouse tests. Availability of MAT-null and MAT-complemented strains provides a means to determine the importance of ascospores in the biology of G. zeae and perhaps to identify novel approaches to control wheat head blight.

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service research on pre-harvest prevention of mycotoxins and mycotoxigenic fungi in US crops

Mycotoxins (ie toxins produced by molds) are fungal metabolites that can contaminate foods and feeds and cause toxic effects in higher organisms that consume the contaminated commodities. Therefore, mycotoxin contamination of foods and feeds results is a serious food safety issue and affects the competitiveness of US agriculture in both domestic and export markets. This article highlights research accomplished by Agricultural Research Service (ARS) laboratories on control of pre-harvest toxin contamination by using biocontrol, host-plant resistance enhancement and integrated management systems. Emphasis is placed on the most economically relevant mycotoxins, namely aflatoxins produced by Aspergillus flavus, Link, trichothecenes produced by various Fusarium spp and fumonisins produced by F verticillioides. Significant inroads have been made in establishing various control strategies such as development of atoxigenic biocontrol fungi that can outcompete their closely related, toxigenic cousins in field environments, thus reducing levels of mycotoxins in the crops. Potential biochemical and genetic resistance markers have been identified in crops, particularly in corn, which are being utilized as selectable markers in breeding for resistance to aflatoxin contamination. Prototypes of genetically engineered crops have been developed which: (1) contain genes for resistance to the phytotoxic effects of certain trichothecenes, thereby helping reduce fungal virulence, or (2) contain genes encoding fungal growth inhibitors for reducing fungal infection. Gene clusters housing the genes governing formation of trichothecenes, fumonisins and aflatoxins have been elucidated and are being targeted in strategies to interrupt the biosynthesis of these mycotoxins. Ultimately, a combination of strategies using biocompetitive fungi and enhancement of host-plant resistance may be needed to adequately prevent mycotoxin contamination in the field. To achieve this, plants may be developed that resist fungal infection and/or reduce the toxic effects of the mycotoxins themselves, or interrupt mycotoxin biosynthesis. This research effort could potentially save affected agricultural industries hundreds of millions of dollars during years of serious mycotoxin outbreaks.

Gibberella from A (venaceae) to Z (eae)

Gibberella species are destructive plant pathogens, although many are more familiar under their Fusarium anamorph names. The recent synthesis of phylogenetic, biological, and morphological species approaches has revitalized taxonomy of a genus that was first described almost 200 years ago. Twelve sexual species of Gibberella of agricultural importance were selected for this review to represent phylogenetic, biological, and chemical diversity of the genus. Even closely related Gibberella species can differ in reproductive mode, geographic and host distribution, plant pathogenesis, and production of toxins and other biologically active metabolites. Gibberella species have proven amenable to meiotic and molecular genetic analysis; A complete genome sequence of G. zeae should soon be available. Combining gene disruption strategies with new genomics technologies for expression profiling should help plant pathologists to understand the pathological and evolutionary significance of biological and chemical diversity in Gibberella and to identify novel strategies for disease control.

Deoxynivalenol-nonproducing fusarium graminearum causes initial infection, but does not cause disease spread in wheat spikes

Fusarium graminearum is a major pathogen that causes fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and produces deoxynivalenol (DON) in infected grain. In previous studies, the trichodiene synthase gene (Tri5) in the fungal strain GZ3639 was disrupted to produce the DON-nonproducing strain GZT40. In this report, the virulence of strains GZ3639 and GZT40 was tested on wheat cultivars with various resistance levels by using methods of spray inoculation and injection inoculation with fungal conidia. Under field and greenhouse conditions, strain GZ3639 produced significantly more disease symptoms and reduced more yield than strain GZT40 in all wheat cultivars tested. Conidia of strain GZT40 germinated and infected inoculated spikelets, but disease symptoms were limited to inoculated spikelets without spread to uninoculated spikelets. When strain GZT40 was inoculated using the spray method, multiple initial infection sites in a spike resulted in higher levels of disease symptoms than in spikes inoculated by a single injection. Greenhouse tests confirmed that strain GZT40 did not produce DON in the infected kernels following either inoculation method. The results confirm that DON production plays a significant role in the spread of FHB within a spike, and are the first report that DON production is not necessary for initial infection by the fungus.

Co-expression of 15 contiguous genes delineates a fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster in Gibberella moniliformis

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by the maize pathogen Gibberella moniliformis and are associated with cancer in rodents. In this study, we determined the nucleotide sequence of a 75-kb region of G. moniliformis DNA and identified 18 heretofore undescribed genes flanking a cluster of five previously identified fumonisin biosynthetic (FUM) genes. Ten of the newly identified genes downstream of the cluster were coregulated with FUM genes and exhibited patterns of expression that were correlated with fumonisin production. BLASTX analyses indicated that the predicted functions of proteins encoded by the 10 genes were consistent with activities expected for fumonisin biosynthesis or self-protection. These data indicate that the 10 newly identified genes and the previously identified FUM genes constitute a fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster. Disruption of two of the new genes, encoding longevity assurance factors, had no apparent effect on fumonisin production, but disruption of a third, encoding an ABC transporter, had a subtle effect on ratios of fumonisins produced.

FUM1--a gene required for fumonisin biosynthesis but not for maize ear rot and ear infection by Gibberella moniliformis in field tests

We have analyzed the role of fumonisins in infection of maize (Zea mays) by Gibberella moniliformis (anamorph Fusarium verticillioides) in field tests in Illinois and Iowa, United States. Fumonisin-nonproducing mutants were obtained by disrupting FUM1 (previously FUM5), the gene encoding a polyketide synthase required for fumonisin biosynthesis. Maize ear rot, ear infection, and fumonisin contamination were assessed by silk-channel injection in 1999 and 2000 and also by spray application onto maize silks, injection into maize stalks, and application with maize seeds at planting in 1999. Ear rot was evaluated by visual assessment of whole ears and by calculating percentage of symptomatic kernels by weight. Fumonisin levels in kernels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The presence of applied strains in kernels was determined by analysis of recovered isolates for genetic markers and fumonisin production. Two independent fumonisin-nonproducing (fum1-3 and fum1-4) mutants were similar to their respective fumonisin-producing (FUM1-1) progenitor strains in ability to cause ear rot following silk-channel injection and also were similar in ability to infect maize ears following application by all four methods tested. This evidence confirms that fumonisins are not required for G. moniliformis to cause maize ear rot and ear infection.

Cryptic speciation in Fusarium subglutinans

Fusarium isolates that form part of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex have been classified using either a morphological, biological, or phylogenetic species concept. Problems with the taxonomy of Fusarium species in this complex are mostly experienced when the morphological and biological species concepts are applied. The most consistent identifications are obtained with the phylogenetic species concept. Results from recent studies have presented an example of discordance between the biological and phylogenetic species concepts, where a group of F. subglutinans sensu stricto isolates, i.e., isolates belonging to mating population E of the G. fujikuroi complex, could be sub-divided into more than one phylogenetic lineage. The aim of this study was to determine whether this sub-division represented species divergence or intraspecific diversity in F. subglutinans. For this purpose, we included 29 F. subglutinans isolates belonging to the E-mating population that were collected from either maize or teosinte, from a wide geographic range. DNA sequence data for six nuclear regions in each of these isolates were obtained and used in phylogenetic concordance analyses. These analyses revealed the presence of two major groups representing cryptic species in F. subglutinans. These cryptic species were further sub-divided into a number of smaller groups that appear to be reproductively isolated in nature. This suggests not only that the existing F. subglutinans populations are in the process of divergence, but also that each of the resulting lineages are undergoing separation into distinct taxa. These divergences did not appear to be linked to geographic origin, host, or phenotypic characters such as morphology.

Inactivation of a cytochrome P-450 is a determinant of trichothecene diversity in Fusarium species

Species of the genus Fusarium produce a great diversity of agriculturally important trichothecene toxins that differ from each other in their pattern of oxygenation and esterification. T-2 toxin, produced by Fusarium sporotrichioides, and nivalenol (NIV), produced by some strains of F. graminearum, contain an oxygen at the C-4 position. Deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by other strains of F. graminearum, lacks a C-4 oxygen. NIV and DON are identical except for this difference, whereas T-2 differs from these trichothecenes at three other carbon positions. Sequence and Northern analyses of the F. sporotrichioides genomic region upstream of the previously described core trichothecene gene cluster have extended the cluster by two genes: TRI13 and TRI14. TRI13 shares significant similarity with the cytochrome P-450 class of enzymes, but TRI14 does not share similarity with any previously characterized proteins. Gene disruption and fermentation studies in F. sporotrichioides indicate that TRI13 is required for the addition of the C-4 oxygen of T-2 toxin, but that TRI14 is not required for trichothecene biosynthesis. PCR and sequence analyses indicate that the TRI13 homolog is functional in NIV-producing strains of F. graminearum but nonfunctional in DON-producing strains of the fungus. These genetic observations are consistent with chemical observations that biosynthesis of T-2 toxin and NIV requires a C-4 hydroxylase while biosynthesis of DON does not.

Biosynthetic and genetic relationships of B-series fumonisins produced by Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by the maize pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A and frequently contaminate maize. Wild-type G. fujikuroi produces four B-series fumonisins, FB1, FB2, FR3 and FB4. These toxins are identical in structure except for the number and positions of hydroxyls along their linear carbon backbone. To elucidate the genetic and biosynthetic relationships among these fumonisins, we conducted meiotic and biochemical analyses of G. fujikuroi mutants with altered fumonisin production that resulted from defective alleles at three loci, Fum1, Fum2 and Fum3. These mutants produced either no fumonisins, only FR2 and FB4, or only FR3 and FR4. Genetic analyses revealed the orientation of the Fum loci along linkage group 1 of the fungus. The mutants were grown together in pair-wise combinations to determine if their fumonisin production phenotypes could be complemented. When FR3- and FB2-producing mutants were grown together, complementation occurred. However, when a nonproducing mutant was grown with a FR2- or FB3-producing mutant, complementation did not occur or was incomplete. When purified FR2, FR3, or FB4 was fed to mutant cultures, FR4 was converted primarily to FR2, FR3 was converted to FB1 and FB2 was not converted. The results from these assays suggest a previously unrecognized branch in the fumonisin biosynthetic pathway.

Gibberella fujikuroi mating population E is associated with maize and teosinte

Summary Isolates of Fusarium subglutinans mating population E are usually found on maize. This fungus forms part of the so-called Gibberella fujikuroi species complex. Previously, F. subglutinans has been associated with two additional mating populations (B and H) and a variety of plant hosts. This was mainly due to a lack of diagnostic morphological characters, but the use of DNA sequence information showed that the strains making up mating populations B, E and H, as well as those associated with the different plant hosts, represent separate species. Recently, another putative mating population has been reported on the wild teosinte relatives of maize. Based on sexual compatibility studies, these isolates were apparently closely related to the pitch canker fungus, F. subglutinans f. sp. pini (= F. circinatum;G. fujikuroi mating population H). The aim of the current study was to determine whether the population of F. subglutinans from teosinte constitutes a new or an existing lineage within the G. fujikuroi complex. For this purpose, portions of the mitochondrial small subunit ribosomal DNA, calmodulin and beta-tubulin genes from the fungi were sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses and comparison with sequences from public domain databases indicated that the F. subglutinans isolates from teosinte are most closely related to strains of G. fujikuroi mating population E. These results were confirmed using sexual compatibility studies. The putative mating population from the wild relatives of maize therefore forms part of the existing E-mating population and does not constitute a new lineage in the G. fujikuroi species complex.

Removal of confounding effects of global signal in functional MRI analyses

Local signals obtained from BOLD fMRI are generally confounded by global effects. In this paper, we make an essential distinction between global effects and the global signal. Global effects have a similar influence on local signals from a large proportion of cerebral voxels. They may reflect diffuse physiological processes or variations in scanner sensitivity and are difficult to measure directly. Global effects are often estimated from the global signal, which is the spatial average of local signals from all cerebral voxels. If the global signal is strongly correlated with experimental manipulations, meaningfully different results may be obtained whether or not global effects are modeled (G. K. Aguirre et al., 1998, NeuroImage, 8, 302-306). In particular, if local BOLD signals make a significant contribution to the global signal, analyses using ANCOVAor proportional scaling models may yield artifactual deactivations. In this paper, we present a modification to the proportional scaling model that accounts for the contribution of local BOLD signals to the global signal. An event-related oddball stimulus paradigm and a block design working memory task were used to illustrate the efficacy of our model.

A Genetic and Biochemical Approach to Study Trichothecene Diversity in Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium graminearum

The trichothecenes T-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON) are natural fungal products that are toxic to both animals and plants. Their importance in the pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. on crop plants has inspired efforts to understand the genetic and biochemical mechanisms leading to trichothecene synthesis. In order to better understand T-2 toxin biosynthesis by Fusarium sporotrichioides and DON biosynthesis by F. graminearum, we compared the nucleotide sequence of the 23-kb core trichothecene gene cluster from each organism. This comparative genetic analysis allowed us to predict proteins encoded by two trichothecene genes, TRI9 and TRI10, that had not previously been described from either Fusarium species. Differences in gene structure also were correlated with differences in the types of trichothecenes that the two species produce. Gene disruption experiments showed that F. sporotrichioides TRI7 (FsTRI7) is required for acetylation of the oxygen on C-4 of T-2 toxin. Sequence analysis indicated that F. graminearum TRI7 (FgTRI7) is nonfunctional. This is consistent with the fact that the FgTRI7 product is not required for DON synthesis in F. graminearum because C-4 is not oxygenated.

Fumonisin B(1)-nonproducing strains of Fusarium verticillioides cause maize (Zea mays) ear infection and ear rot

Fumonisins are polyketide mycotoxins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (synonym F. moniliforme), a major pathogen of maize (Zea mays) worldwide. Most field strains produce high levels of fumonisin B(1) (FB(1)) and low levels of the less-oxygenated homologues FB(2) and FB(3), but fumonisin B(1)-nonproducing field strains have been obtained by natural variation. To test the role of various fumonisins in pathogenesis on maize under field conditions, one strain producing FB(1), FB(2), and FB(3), one strain producing only FB(2), one strain producing only FB(3), and one fumonisin-nonproducing strain were applied to ears via the silk channel and on seeds at planting. Disease severity on the harvested ears was evaluated by visible symptoms and by weight percent symptomatic kernels. Fumonisin levels in kernels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The presence of the applied FB(1)-nonproducing strains in kernels was determined by analysis of recovered strains for fumonisin production and other traits. All three FB(1)-nonproducing strains were able to infect ears following either silk-channel application or seed application at planting and were as effective as the FB(1)-producing strain in causing ear rot following silk-channel application. These results indicate that production of FB(1), FB(2), or FB(3) is not required for F. verticillioides to cause maize ear infection and ear rot.

Analysis of aberrant virulence of Gibberella zeae following transformation-mediated complementation of a trichothecene-deficient (Tri5) mutant

Gibberella zeae causes wheat ear blight and produces trichothecene toxins in infected grain. In previous studies, trichothecene production in this fungus was disabled by specific disruption of the trichodiene synthase gene (Tri5) and was restored by two methods: gene reversion and transformation-mediated mutant complementation. In previous field tests of wheat ear blight, trichothecene-nonproducing mutants were less virulent than the wild-type progenitor strain from which they were derived. Trichothecene-producing revertants also were restored to wild-type levels of virulence. In contrast, in the field test of wheat ear blight reported here, trichothecene-producing strains obtained by Tri5 mutant complementation were not restored to wild-type levels of virulence. The complemented mutants showed a slightly reduced radial growth compared to the wild-type strain, but otherwise appeared normal in morphology, pigmentation and sexual fertility. Genetic analysis indicated that the aberrant virulence of a complemented mutant was likely due to non-target effects that occurred during the process of transforming the trichothecene-nonproducing mutant with Tri5. These results confirm previous findings that trichothecenes contribute to the virulence of G. zeae, but also demonstrate that manipulating this fungus in the laboratory may cause it to undergo subtle changes that reduce its virulence.

Occurrence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins in nepalese maize and wheat and the effect of traditional processing methods on mycotoxin levels

Maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum) collected in the foothills of the Nepal Himalaya Mountains were analyzed for Fusarium species and mycotoxins: fumonisins, nivalenol (NIV), and deoxynivalenol (DON). Predominant species were Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A (F. moniliforme) in maize and F. graminearum in maize and wheat; G. fujikuroi mating population D (F. proliferatum), F. acuminatum, F. avenaceum, F. chlamydosporum, F. equiseti, F. oxysporum, F. semitectum, and F. torulosum were also present. Strains of G. fujikuroi mating population A produced fumonisins, and strains of F. graminearum produced NIV or DON. By immunoassay or high-performance liquid chromatography, fumonisins were >1000 ng/g in 22% of 74 maize samples. By immunoassay or fluorometry, NIV and DON were >1000 ng/g in 16% of maize samples but were not detected in wheat. Fumonisins and DON were not eliminated by traditional fermentation for producing maize beer, but Nepalese rural and urban women were able to detoxify contaminated maize by hand-sorting visibly diseased kernels.

Fusarium species from nepalese rice and production of mycotoxins and gibberellic acid by selected species

Infection of cereal grains with Fusarium species can cause contamination with mycotoxins that affect human and animal health. To determine the potential for mycotoxin contamination, we isolated Fusarium species from samples of rice seeds that were collected in 1997 on farms in the foothills of the Nepal Himalaya. The predominant Fusarium species in surface-disinfested seeds with husks were species of the Gibberella fujikuroi complex, including G. fujikuroi mating population A (anamorph, Fusarium verticillioides), G. fujikuroi mating population C (anamorph, Fusarium fujikuroi), and G. fujikuroi mating population D (anamorph, Fusarium proliferatum). The widespread occurrence of mating population D suggests that its role in the complex symptoms of bakanae disease of rice may be significant. Other common species were Gibberella zeae (anamorph, Fusarium graminearum) and Fusarium semitectum, with Fusarium acuminatum, Fusarium anguioides, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Fusarium equiseti, and Fusarium oxysporum occasionally present. Strains of mating population C produced beauvericin, moniliformin, and gibberellic acid, but little or no fumonisin, whereas strains of mating population D produced beauvericin, fumonisin, and, usually, moniliformin, but no gibberellic acid. Some strains of G. zeae produced the 8-ketotrichothecene nivalenol, whereas others produced deoxynivalenol. Despite the occurrence of fumonisin-producing strains of mating population D, and of 8-ketotrichothecene-producing strains of G. zeae, Nepalese rice showed no detectable contamination with these mycotoxins. Effective traditional practices for grain drying and storage may prevent contamination of Nepalese rice with Fusarium mycotoxins.

Possible Role of Trichothecene Mycotoxins in Virulence of Fusarium graminearum on Maize

Trichothecene-producing and -nonproducing Fusarium graminearum strains were tested for their ability to cause Gibberella ear rot in field trials at two locations-Ottawa, Ontario, and Peoria, Illinois-in 1996. Maize ears were inoculated with wild-type or transgenic F. graminearum strains in which the trichothecene biosynthetic pathway had been disabled by the specific disruption of the trichodiene synthase gene and with a derivative revertant strain in which trichothecene production had been restored through recombination. A silk channel inoculation method was employed at both locations. In addition, a kernel puncture inoculation method was used at the Ontario location. Harvested maize ears were analyzed for visual disease severity, grain yield, deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration, and fungal biomass by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or ergosterol quantitation. There was a significant correlation (r= 0.86) between data obtained from the two different methods of quantifying fungal biomass. The trichothecene-nonproducing strains were still pathogenic but appeared less virulent on maize than the trichothecene-producing progenitor and revertant strains, as assayed by most parameters. This suggests that the trichothecenes may act as virulence factors to enhance the spread of F. graminearum on maize.

Activity of triterpenoid glycosides from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla against two oral pathogens

Four new triterpenoid glycosides were isolated from the root bark of Mussaenda macrophylla. Their structures were determined as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox y-23-deoxyprotobassic acid (1), 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-16alpha-hydroxy-23-deoxyprotobassic+ ++ acid (2), 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-28-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-16alpha- hydrox yprotobassic acid (3), and 3-O-¿[beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)]-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-->2 )-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->2)¿-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->3)-O- beta-D-glucopyranosyl-cycloarta-22,24-dien-27-oic acid (mussaendoside W, 4). Four known triterpenoids [3-O-acetyloleanolic acid (5), 3-O-acetyldaturadiol (6), rotundic acid (7), and 16alpha-hydroxyprotobassic acid (8)] were also isolated. The structures of 1-4 were determined by several spectroscopic techniques including 2D NMR methods. Compounds 1-6 showed inhibitory activity against a periodontopathic bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, but were inactive against the cariogenic organism, Streptococcus mutans.

A polyketide synthase gene required for biosynthesis of fumonisin mycotoxins in Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A

Fumonisins are toxins associated with several mycotoxicoses and are produced by the maize pathogen Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A (MP-A). Biochemical analyses indicate that fumonisins are a product of either polyketide or fatty acid biosynthesis. To isolate a putative polyketide synthase (PKS) gene involved in fumonisin biosynthesis, we employed PCR with degenerate PKS primers and a cDNA template prepared from a fumonisin-producing culture of G. fujikuroi. Sequence analysis of the single PCR product and its flanking DNA revealed a gene (FUM5) with a 7.8-kb coding region. The predicted FUM5 translation product was highly similar to bacterial and fungal Type I PKSs. Transformation of a cosmid clone carrying FUM5 into G. fujikuroi enhanced production in three strains and restored wild-type production in a fumonisin nonproducing mutant. Disruption of FUM5 reduced fumonisin production by over 99% in G. fujikuroi MP-A. Together, these results indicate that FUM5 is a PKS gene required for fumonisin biosynthesis.

Incidence of Fusarium spp. and levels of fumonisin B1 in maize in western Kenya

Maize kernel samples were collected in 1996 from smallholder farm storages in the districts of Bomet, Bungoma, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Nandi, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, and Vihiga in the tropical highlands of western Kenya. Two-thirds of the samples were good-quality maize, and one-third were poor-quality maize with a high incidence of visibly diseased kernels. One hundred fifty-three maize samples were assessed for Fusarium infection by culturing kernels on a selective medium. The isolates obtained were identified to the species level based on morphology and on formation of the sexual stage in Gibberella fujikuroi mating population tests. Fusarium moniliforme (G. fujikuroi mating population A) was isolated most frequently, but F. subglutinans (G. fujikuroi mating population E), F. graminearum, F. oxysporum, F. solani, and other Fusarium species were also isolated. The high incidence of kernel infection with the fumonisin-producing species F. moniliforme indicated a potential for fumonisin contamination of Kenyan maize. However, analysis of 197 maize kernel samples by high-performance liquid chromatography found little fumonisin B1 in most of the samples. Forty-seven percent of the samples contained fumonisin B1 at levels above the detection limit (100 ng/g), but only 5% were above 1,000 ng/g, a proposed level of concern for human consumption. The four most-contaminated samples, with fumonisin B1 levels ranging from 3, 600 to 11,600 ng/g, were from poor-quality maize collected in the Kisii district. Many samples with a high incidence of visibly diseased kernels contained little or no fumonisin B1, despite the presence of F. moniliforme. This result may be attributable to the inability of F. moniliforme isolates present in Kenyan maize to produce fumonisins, to the presence of other ear rot fungi, and/or to environmental conditions unfavorable for fumonisin production.

Distribution of Fumonisins in Maize Ears Infected with Strains of Fusarium moniliforme that Differ in Fumonisin Production

Strains of Fusarium moniliforme (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A) that differ in fu-monisin production in vitro were previously identified in a Kansas field population. One strain that produced high levels of fumonisins and two strains that produced very low levels of fu-monisins were applied to maize kernels at planting at the Rocky Ford Farm near Manhattan, Kansas. The distribution of fumonisins in symptomatic and symptomless kernels from individual harvested ears was determined by high performance liquid chromatography, and the distribution of the three applied strains in the kernels was determined by vegetative compatibility group analysis. Both symptomatic and symptomless kernels were extensively colonized with F. moniliforme, but the highest levels of fumonisins were in the symptomatic kernels. All three applied strains were recovered from kernels in 1993, and two of them were recovered from kernels in 1994. However, a high frequency of ear and kernel infection with a strain that produced little fumonisin in vitro did not consistently decrease the level of fumonisins. The frequency of infection with fumonisin low-producing strains may have been too low for competitive exclusion of naturally occurring fumonisin high-producing strains. Also, strains that are low-fumonisin producers under laboratory conditions may be high producers in the field.

Production of Fumonisin B(inf1) and Moniliformin by Gibberella fujikuroi from Rice from Various Geographic Areas

Gibberella fujikuroi strains isolated from rice in the United States, Asia, and other geographic areas were tested for sexual fertility with members of mating population D and for production of fumonisin B(inf1) and moniliformin in culture. Of the 59 field strains tested, 32 (54%) were able to cross with tester strains of mating population D, but only a few ascospores were produced in most of these crosses. Thirty-four strains produced more than 10 (mu)g of fumonisin B(inf1) per g, but only three strains produced more than 1000 (mu)g/g. Twenty-five strains produced more than 100 (mu)g of moniliformin per g, and 15 produced more than 1,000 (mu)g/g. Seven field strains produced both fumonisin B(inf1) and moniliformin, but none of these strains produced a high level of fumonisin B(inf1) (>1,000 (mu)g/g). However, a genetic cross between a strain that produced fumonisin B(inf1) but no moniliformin and a strain that produced moniliformin but no fumonisin B(inf1) yielded progeny that produced high levels of both toxins. Strains of G. fujikuroi isolated from rice infected with bakanae disease are similar to strains of mating population D isolated from maize in their ability to produce both fumonisins and moniliformin. This finding suggests a potential for contamination of rice with both fumonisins and moniliformin.

Linkage among genes responsible for fumonisin biosynthesis in Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A

Most naturally occurring strains of the fungus Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A produce high levels of the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 (FB1), which is oxygenated at both carbons C-5 and C-10. Some strains, however, produce only FB2 or FB3, suggesting that they lack the ability to hydroxylate position C-10 or C-5, respectively. Genetic analysis indicates that these different phenotypes are due to single gene defects at closely linked loci designated fum2 and fum3. Further allellism tests indicate that both fum2 and fum3 are closely linked to fum1, a previously identified gene that regulates fumonisin production. The recovery frequency of FB1-producing progency from cross 510 between fum1 and fum2 mutations suggests a map distance of approximately 6.2 cM between these two loci. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of parents and progeny of cross 510 was employed to confirm that the FB1-producing strains are recombinant progeny. We conclude that fum1, fum2, and fum3 constitute a fumonisin biosynthetic gene cluster on chromosome 1 of the restriction fragment length-map of G. fujikuroi.