Moniliformin Production InFusariumSectionLiseola

Identification and Characterization of Neocosmospora silvicola Causing Canker Disease on Pinus armandii in China

Chinese white pine, Pinus armandii, is a source of high-quality timber and an afforestation tree in China, which plays an important ecological and social role in water and soil conservation. Recently, a new canker disease has been reported in Longnan City, Gansu Province, where P. armandii is mainly distributed. In this study, the causal agent was isolated from diseased samples and identified as a fungal pathogen, Neocosmospora silvicola, based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses (internal transcribed spacer, large subunit, RNA polymerase II, and translation elongation factor-1α). Pathogenicity tests on P. armandii revealed that N. silvicola isolates caused a 60% average mortality rate in artificially inoculated 2-year-old seedlings. The pathogenicity of these isolates was also observed on the branches of 10-year-old P. armandii trees with a 100% mortality rate. These results agree with the isolation of N. silvicola from diseased plants, suggesting the possible role of this fungus in the decline of P. armandii plants. Mycelial growth of N. silvicola was fastest on potato dextrose agar medium, and growth occurred at pH values ranging from 4.0 to 11.0 with temperatures between 5 and 40°C. The fungus also grew rapidly in complete darkness compared with other light conditions. Of the eight carbon and seven nitrogen sources tested, starch and sodium nitrate, respectively, were highly efficient in supporting the mycelial growth of N. silvicola. The ability of N. silvicola to grow at low temperatures (5°C) may explain its occurrence in the Longnan area of Gansu Province. This article is the first report of N. silvicola as an important fungal pathogen causing branch and stem cankers on Pinus tree species, which remains a threat to the forests.

Plasma Technology Increases the Efficacy of Prothioconazole against Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium proliferatum Contamination of Maize (Zea mays) Seedlings

The contamination of maize by Fusarium species able to produce mycotoxins raises great concern worldwide since they can accumulate these toxic metabolites in field crop products. Furthermore, little information exists today on the ability of Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium graminearum, two well know mycotoxigenic species, to translocate from the seeds to the plants up to the kernels. Marketing seeds coated with fungicide molecules is a common practice; however, since there is a growing need for reducing chemicals in agriculture, new eco-friendly strategies are increasingly tested. Technologies based on ionized gases, known as plasmas, have been used for decades, with newer material surfaces, products, and approaches developed continuously. In this research, we tested a plasma-generated bilayer coating for encapsulating prothioconazole at the surface of maize seeds, to protect them from F. graminearum and F. proliferatum infection. A minimum amount of chemical was used, in direct contact with the seeds, with no dispersion in the soil. The ability of F. graminearum and F. proliferatum species to translocate from seeds to seedlings of maize has been clearly proven in our in vitro experiments. As for the use of plasma technology, the combined use of the plasma-generated coating with embedded prothioconazole was the most efficient approach, with a higher reduction of the infection of the maize seminal root system and stems. The debated capability of the two Fusarium species to translocate from seeds to seedlings has been demonstrated. The plasma-generated coating with embedded prothioconazole resulted in a promising sustainable approach for the protection of maize seedlings.

Molecular phylogeny, pathogenic variability and phytohormone production of Fusarium species associated with bakanae disease of rice in temperate agro-ecosystems

Bakanae is the emerging disease threating the rice cultivation globally. Yield reduction of 4-70% is recorded in different parts of the world. A total of 119 Fusarium isolates were collected from rice plants at different geographical locations and seeds of different rice cultivars. The isolates were evaluated for morphological, biochemical and pathogenic diversity. The amplification of TEF-1α gene was carried out for exploring the species spectrum associated with the cultivated and pre-released rice varieties. The production of gibberellin varied from 0.53 to 2.26 µg/25 ml, while as that of Indole acetic acid varied from 0.60 to 3.15 µg/25 ml among the Fusarium isolates. The phylogenetic analysis identified 5 different species of the genus Fusarium viz. Fusarium fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. equiseti, F.oxysporum and F. persicinum after nucleotide blasting in NCBI. Only two Fusarium spp. F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum were found to be pathogenic under virulence assays of the isolates. The isolates showed a considerable variation in morphological and pathogenic characters. The isolates were divided into different groups based on morphology and pathogenicity tests. The isolates showed a considerable variation in morphology, phytohormone profile and virulence indicative of population diversity. Three species F. equiseti, F.oxysporum and F. persicinum which have not been reported as pathogens of rice in India were found to be associated with bakanae disease of rice, however their pathogenicity could not be established.

Occurrence, Pathogenicity, and Mycotoxin Production of Fusarium temperatum in Relation to Other Fusarium Species on Maize in Germany

Fusarium subglutinans is a plant pathogenic fungus infecting cereal grain crops. In 2011, the species was divided in Fusarium temperatumsp. nov. and F. subglutinans sensu stricto. In order to determine the occurrence and significance of F. temperatum and F. subglutinans on maize, a monitoring of maize ears and stalks was carried out in Germany in 2017 and 2018. Species identification was conducted by analysis of the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) gene. Ninety-four isolates of F. temperatum and eight isolates of F. subglutinans were obtained during two years of monitoring from 60 sampling sites in nine federal states of Germany. Inoculation of maize ears revealed a superior aggressiveness for F. temperatum, followed by Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium verticillioides, and F. subglutinans. On maize stalks, F. graminearum was the most aggressive species while F. temperatum and F. subglutinans caused only small lesions. The optimal temperature for infection of maize ears with F. temperatum was 24 °C and 21 °C for F. subglutinans. All strains of F. temperatum and F. subglutinans were pathogenic on wheat and capable to cause moderate to severe head blight symptoms. The assessment of mycotoxin production of 60 strains of F. temperatum cultivated on rice revealed that all strains produced beauvericin, moniliformin, fusaric acid, and fusaproliferin. The results demonstrate a higher prevalence and aggressiveness of F. temperatum compared to F. subglutinans in German maize cultivation areas.

Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Associated With Rice, Maize, and Soybean From Jiangsu Province, China: Phylogenetic, Pathogenic, and Toxigenic Analysis

Species belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) are of vital importance and are a major concern for food quantity and quality worldwide, as they not only cause serious diseases in crops but also produce various mycotoxins. To characterize the population structure and evaluate the risk of poisonous secondary metabolites, a total of 237 candidate strains were isolated from rice, maize, and soybean samples in Jiangsu Province, China. Species identification of the individual strain was accomplished by sequencing the translation elongation factor 1α gene (TEF-1α) and the fumonisin (FB) synthetic gene (FUM1). The distribution of Fusarium species among the different crops was observed. The maize seeds were dominated by F. proliferatum (teleomorph, Gibberella intermedia) and F. verticillioides (teleomorph, G. moniliformis), whereas F. fujikuroi (teleomorph, G. fujikuroi) was the most frequently isolated species from rice and soybean samples. In addition, phylogenetic analyses of these strains were performed, and the results suggested clear groups showing no obvious relationship with the origin source. FFSC species pathogenicity and toxigenicity were studied. All of the species reduced the rice seed germination rate, with no significant differences. F. fujikuroi showed two distinct patterns of influencing the length of rice seedlings, which were correlated with FBs and gibberellic acid synthesis. FBs were mainly produced by F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum. F. proliferatum and F. fujikuroi also produced moniliformin and beauvericin. The toxigenicity of F. andiyazi (teleomorph, G. andiyazi) was extremely low. Further analysis indicated that the sequence variations in TEF-1α and the differences in the expression levels of the toxin synthesis genes were associated with the diversity of secondary metabolites in F. fujikuroi strains. These findings provide insight into the population-level characterization of the FFSC and might be helpful in the development of strategies for the management of diseases and mycotoxins.

Isolation, Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Profile of Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels in Iran

Fusarium species are among the most important fungal pathogens of maize, where they cause severe reduction of yield and accumulation of a wide range of harmful mycotoxins in the kernels. In order to identify the Fusarium species and their mycotoxin profiles associated to maize ear rot and kernel contamination in Iran, a wide sampling was carried out from field in ten major maize-producing provinces in Iran, during 2015 and 2016. From 182 samples of maize kernels, 551 strains were isolated and identified as belonging to Fusarium genus. Among the 234 representative strains identified at species level by translation elongation factor (EF-1α) sequences, the main Fusarium species were F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, together representing 90% of the Iranian Fusarium population, and, to a lesser extent, F. incarnatum equiseti species complex (FIESC), F. thapsinum and F. redolens. Fumonisin (FBs) production by F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum representative strains was analysed, showing that all strains produced FB₁. None of F. verticillioides strains produced FB₂ nor FB₃, while both FB₂ and FB₃ were produced only by F. proliferatum. Total mean of FBs production by F. verticillioides was higher than F. proliferatum. The occurrence of different Fusarium species on Iranian maize is reason of great concern because of the toxigenic risk associated to these species. Moreover, the diversity of the species identified increases the toxigenic risk associated to Fusarium contaminated maize kernels, because of the high possibility that a multi-toxin contamination can occur with harmful consequences on human and animal health.

Dissemination of Fusarium proliferatum by mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor

BACKGROUND

Plant pathogenic fungi of the genus Fusarium infect a wide array of crops and produce numerous health-threatening mycotoxins. Recently, we found that larvae of the common pest of stored products Tenebrio molitor preferably fed on grains colonized with Fusarium proliferatum. We draw the hypothesis that the increased attractiveness of infected grains for mealworms facilitates dispersal of the fungus. In this work we examined the dissemination of F. proliferatum and further Fusarium spp. by adults of T. molitor.

RESULTS

Mealworm beetle Tenebrio molitor transmitted Fusarium species F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. poae, and F. proliferatum to wheat grains with varying efficiency. F. proliferatum was disseminated most efficiently: 20 days after feeding on Fusarium cultures, the beetles still transmitted F. proliferatum to most grains exposed to feeding. The transmission of F. culmorum gradually declined over time and the transmission of the other Fusarium spp. ceased completely 20 d after beetles feeding of fungal cultures. Propagules of F. proliferatum and F. culmorum were traceable in beetles' feces for 20 days while no colonies of F. poae and F. avenaceum were detectable after 5 days. Because F. proliferatum was transmitted by mealworms most efficiently, this species was further investigated. Mealworm beetles T. molitor preferred feeding on grains colonized with F. proliferatum as compared to uninfected grains. Male beetles infected with F. proliferatum transmitted the fungus by copulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Efficient dissemination of F. proliferatum by mealworm beetle together with the feeding preference of the beetle for grains colonized with F. proliferatum show that the chemical phenotype of the fungus responsible for the enhanced attractiveness of infected grains is subjected to positive selection. This indicates that adaptation of F. proliferatum to transmission by insects involved an alteration of insects' feeding preferences.

Maize seedling blight induced by Fusarium verticillioides: accumulation of fumonisin B₁ in leaves without colonization of the leaves

Fusarium verticillioides produces fumonisin mycotoxins during the colonization of maize, and fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) production is necessary for manifestation of maize seedling blight disease. The objective of this study was to address FB₁ mobility and accumulation in seedlings to determine if proximal infection by F. verticillioides is necessary for FB₁ accumulation. Taking advantage of an aconidial mutant known to have limited capability for seedling infection, tissue and soil samples were analyzed to compare wild-type F. verticillioides against the mutant. Inoculation with either strain caused accumulation of FB₁ in the first and second leaves, but the mutants were unable to colonize aerial tissues. FB₁, FB₂, and FB₃ were detected in the soil and seedling roots, but only FB₁ was detected in the leaves of any treatment. These data suggest root infection by F. verticillioides is necessary for accumulation of FB₁ in leaves, but the mechanism for accumulation does not require colonization of the leaf.

Toxicity, pathogenicity, and genetic differentiation of five species of fusarium from sorghum and millet

ABSTRACT Fusarium isolates recovered from sorghum and millet are commonly identified as F. moniliforme, but with the recognition of new species in this group, the strains given this name are being re-evaluated. We analyzed five strains each from five Fusarium species (F. andiyazi, F. nygamai, F. pseudonygamai, F. thapsinum, and F. verticillioides) often associated with sorghum and millet for their ability to produce fumonisin and moniliformin, their toxicity to ducklings, and their ability to cause disease on sorghum seedlings in vitro. These species can be distinguished with isozymes (fumarase, NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase) and with banding patterns resulting from amplified fragment length polymorphisms. Two species, F. pseudonygamai and F. thapsinum, produced high levels of moniliformin, but little or no fumonisins, and were consistently highly toxigenic in the duckling tests. Two species, F. verticillioides and F. nygamai, produced high levels of fumonisins, but little or no moniliformin, and also were toxigenic in the duckling tests. F. andiyazi produced little or no toxin and was the least toxigenic in the duckling tests. In sorghum seedling pathogenicity tests, F. thapsinum was the most virulent followed by F. andiyazi, then F. verticillioides, and finally F. nygamai and F. pseudonygamai, which were similar to each other. Thus, these five species, which would once have all been called F. moniliforme, differ sufficiently in terms of plant pathogenicity and toxin production profile, that their previous misidentification could explain inconsistencies in the literature and differences observed by researchers who thought they were all working with the same fungal species.

Gibberellin biosynthesis in fungi: genes, enzymes, evolution, and impact on biotechnology

Gibberellins (GAs) constitute a large family of tetracyclic diterpenoid carboxylic acids, some members of which function as growth hormones in higher plants. As well as being phytohormones, GAs are also present in some fungi and bacteria. In recent years, GA biosynthetic genes from Fusarium fujikuroi and Arabidopsis thaliana have been cloned and well characterised. Although higher plants and the fungus both produce structurally identical GAs, there are important differences indicating that GA biosynthetic pathways have evolved independently in higher plants and fungi. The fact that horizontal gene transfer of GA genes from the plant to the fungus can be excluded, and that GA genes are obviously missing in closely related Fusarium species, raises the question of the origin of fungal GA biosynthetic genes. Besides characterisation of F. fujikuroi GA pathway genes, much progress has been made in the molecular analysis of regulatory mechanisms, especially the nitrogen metabolite repression controlling fungal GA biosynthesis. Basic research in this field has been shown to have an impact on biotechnology. Cloning of genes, construction of knock-out mutants, gene amplification, and regulation studies at the molecular level are powerful tools for improvement of production strains. Besides increased yields of the final product, GA3, it is now possible to produce intermediates of the GA biosynthetic pathway, such as ent-kaurene, ent-kaurenoic acid, and GA14, in high amounts using different knock-out mutants. This review concentrates mainly on the fungal biosynthetic pathway, the genes and enzymes involved, the regulation network, the biotechnological relevance of recent studies, and on evolutionary aspects of GA biosynthetic genes.

Correlation of moniliformin, but not fumonisin B1 levels, in culture materials of Fusarium isolates to acute death in ducklings

Five isolates of Fusarium moniliforme and two isolates Fusarium proliferatum of the Section Liseola were each fermented on rice for 21 d at 25 C. Each Fusarium-fermented rice, when dried and mixed into a poultry diet (10% by weight), caused a varied degree of acute mortality in baby Pekin ducklings. The acute (death in less than 48 h) mortality correlated significantly only to the amount of moniliformin in fermented rice, thus in the diet, but not to the amount of fumonisin B1 in fermented rice. This correlation of moniliformin concentration and noncorrelation of fumonisin B1 concentrations to acute toxicity were confirmed by duckling assay using diets containing these purified mycotoxins.

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.

Mycotoxin production by fusarium species isolated from bananas

The ability of Fusarium species isolated from bananas to produce mycotoxins was studied with 66 isolates of the following species: F. semitectum var. majus (8 isolates), F. camptoceras (3 isolates), a Fusarium sp. (3 isolates), F. moniliforme (16 isolates), F. proliferatum (9 isolates), F. subglutinans (3 isolates), F. solani (3 isolates), F. oxysporum (5 isolates), F. graminearum (7 isolates), F. dimerum (3 isolates), F. acuminatum (3 isolates), and F. equiseti (3 isolates). All isolates were cultured on autoclaved corn grains. Their toxicity to Artemia salina L. larvae was examined. Some of the toxic effects observed arose from the production of known mycotoxins that were determined by thin-layer chromatography, gas chromatography, or high-performance liquid chromatography. All F. camptoceras and Fusarium sp. isolates proved toxic to A. salina larvae; however, no specific toxic metabolites could be identified. This was also the case with eight isolates of F. moniliforme and three of F. proliferatum. The following mycotoxins were encountered in the corn culture extracts: fumonisin B(inf1) (40 to 2,900 (mu)g/g), fumonisin B(inf2) (150 to 320 (mu)g/g), moniliformin (10 to 1,670 (mu)g/g), zearalenone (5 to 470 (mu)g/g), (alpha)-zearalenol (5 to 10 (mu)g/g), deoxynivalenol (8 to 35 (mu)g/g), 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (5 to 10 (mu)g/g), neosolaniol (50 to 180 (mu)g/g), and T-2 tetraol (5 to 15 (mu)g/g). Based on the results, additional compounds produced by the fungal isolates may play prominent roles in the toxic effects on larvae observed. This is the first reported study on the mycotoxin-producing abilities of Fusarium species that contaminate bananas.

Duckling toxicity and the production of fumonisin and moniliformin by isolates in the A and E mating populations of Gibberella fujikuroi (Fusarium moniliforme)

Two biological species of Gibberella fujikuroi (A and F mating populations) share the Fusarium moniliforme anamorph. Twenty strains of each of these biological species were tested for the ability to produce fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 and moniliformin and for toxicity to 1-day-old ducklings. Most of the members of the A mating population (19 of 20 strains) produced more than 60 micrograms of total fumonisins per g, whereas only 3 of 20 members of the F mating population produced more than trace levels of these toxins and none produced more than 40 micrograms of total fumonisins per g. In addition, only 3 of 20 members of the A mating population produced more than 1 microgram of moniliformin per g (and none produced more than 175 micrograms/g), while all 20 strains of the F mating population produced more than 85 micrograms of this toxin per g and 1 strain produced 10,345 micrograms/g. The duckling toxicity profiles of the strains of the two mating populations were similar, however, and the level of either toxin by itself was not strongly correlated with duckling toxicity. On the basis of our data we think that it is likely that the members of both of these mating populations produce additional toxins that have yet to be chemically identified. These toxins may act singly or synergistically with other compounds to induce the observed duckling toxicity.

Isolation and characterization of fusaproliferin, a new toxic metabolite from Fusarium proliferatum

A new toxic sesterterpene, named fusaproliferin, was purified from corn kernel cultures (120 mg/kg dry culture) of a strain of Fusarium proliferatum isolated from corn ear rot in northern Italy. The stain, designated ITEM-1494, also produced fumonisin B1 (1.500 mg/kg dry culture) and beauvericin (90 mg/kg dry culture), but not moniliformin. To monitor toxicity, the brine shrimp assay was used throughout the isolation procedure. Fusaproliferin had a molecular formula of C27H40O5, and it is the first sesterterpene isolated from a Fusarium species.

Lymphocyte cytotoxicity and erythrocytic abnormalities induced in broiler chicks by fumonisins B1 and B2 and moniliformin from Fusarium proliferatum

Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from broiler chicks that had ingested feed amended with autoclaved Fusarium proliferatum culture material containing fumonisin B1 (FB1), fumonisin B2 (FB2) and moniliformin. Lymphocyte viability was determined for birds that were placed on amended rations at day 1 or day 7 of age at three different levels of mycotoxins, ranging from 61-546 ppm FB1, 14-94 ppm FB2 and 66-367 ppm moniliformin. Reduction of the tetrazolium salt, MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide], to yield MTT formazan, based on mitochondrial metabolic activity, was used to assess cell viability. Lymphocyte cytotoxic effects were observed in all treatment groups on day 21; chicks that started on amended feed at day 1 of age were affected more than those that started at day 7. Abnormal erythrocytes resembling early stages of erythroblasts were observed in peripheral blood from test chicks. Abnormally shaped red cells (poikilocytes) having a spindle-shape with one or both ends pointed were present. Some red cells appeared to be undergoing mitosis. Both reduced lymphocyte viability and abnormal erythrogenesis occurred in chicks given feed amended with F. proliferatum culture material containing FB1, FB2 and moniliformin.

Taxonomy and biology of Fusarium moniliforme

Fusarium moniliforme is one of the most prevalent fungi associated with basic human and animal dietary samples such as corn. This fungus has been suspected of being involved in human and animal diseases since its original description. Fusarium moniliforme is in the section Liseola along with F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans, and F. anthophilum. Cultural mutation often occurs when F. moniliforme is grown on a medium rich in carbohydrates. Mutants may be either the mycelial or pionnotal type and often lose virulence and the ability to produce toxins. Toxins produced by F. moniliforme are fusaric acid, fusarins, gibberellins, moniliformin, and fumonisins. The fumonisins are produced most often when F. moniliforme grows on corn. Fusarium moniliforme causes ear rot and stalk rot of corn and infection of corn kernels by this fungus is widespread. Infection of developing corn kernels may occur through the silks, through holes and fissures in the pericarp or at points where the pericarp is torn by the emerging seedling, and as a result of systemic infection of the corn plant by F. moniliforme. These models of infection as well as infestation of the kernel surface are important factors when considering the production of fumonisins in corn.

Toxicity and moniliformin production by four recently described species of Fusarium and two uncertain taxa

Four recently described species. Fusarium nygamai, F. dlamini, F. beomiforme and F. napiforme and two uncertain taxa, F. nygamai from millet in Africa and Fusarium species from rice with Bakanae disease, were tested for toxicity and moniliformin production. Cultures grown on autoclaved corn were fed to groups of four one-day-old ducklings for 14 days. Isolates that caused the death of 3 or 4 out of 4 ducklings were considered to be toxic and analyzed for moniliformin. All 15 isolates of F. dlamini tested were nontoxic. The other taxa contained some isolates that were toxic to ducklings and produced moniliformin in corn cultures. This is the first report of moniliformin production by F. beomiforme (200-890 micrograms/g), and F. napiforme (16-388 micrograms/g), and by F. nygamai not obtained from millet in Africa (15-874 micrograms/g). The highest production of moniliformin was obtained from the 19 isolates of F. nygamai from millet in Africa (4300-18,200 micrograms/g) and the 15 isolates from rice with Bakanae disease (2300-19,300 micrograms/g). The taxonomic position of these two uncertain taxa should be re-evaluated.

Production of moniliformin by Canadian isolates of Fusarium

Twenty-eight Canadian isolates of Fusarium were tested for their ability to produce moniliformin in corn. Both F. moniliforme (2/6 isolates) and F. subglutinans (11/15 isolates) produced the mycotoxin, while F. graminearum did not. Field-corn inoculated with F. moniliforme M3783 was able to support production of both moniliformin and fusarin C.

Fusarium proliferatum as an agent of disseminated infection in an immunosuppressed patient

Fusarium proliferatum was reported as the agent of a fatal disseminated infection in a child with lymphoblastic leukemia. The fungus has not been reported previously to cause disease in humans, but it is closely related to the known opportunistic pathogen F. verticillioides. It was distinguished by the production of clavate microconidia in chains from proliferating phialides. Resistance to amphotericin B and flucytosine in vitro was shown.

Formation of moniliformin by Fusarium sporotrichioides and Fusarium culmorum

Two strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides and one strain of F. culmorum were shown to produce the mycotoxin moniliformin in rice culture. Identification was by reverse-phase liquid chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and mass spectrometry.