Search Results (94)

Diseases caused by Fusarium spp. vary around the world. It is important to determine the causals agents and indigenous antagonists against these pathogens. Thus, this study aimed to (i) determine the pathogens of root rot and yellow leaf disease (RRYLD), (ii) select Trichoderma spp. strains to control the pathogens, and (iii) evaluate methods for preparing the antagonistic fungi. Diseased soil samples were collected from pomelo orchards in Ben Tre province, Vietnam. The experiment isolated 08 Fusarium spp. strains, with the fastest growth in PDA in FP-C16, FP-B18, FP-B16, and FP-B03 (8.33–17.3 mm) on day 4 of culture. They were identified as Fusarium fujikuroi FP-C16, F. verticillioides FP-B18, F. verticillioides FP-B16, and F. incarnatum FP-B03. On the other hand, 25 Trichoderma spp. strains were isolated from the pomelo rhizosphere. Among them, 13 Trichoderma spp. strains showed rapid growth and strong antagonistic activity against two Fusarium spp. strains under laboratory conditions. The two Trichoderma spp. strains TP-C40 and TP-G50 had antagonistic efficiencies against FP-C16 and FP-B16 at 47.7–63.5%. The two selected Trichoderma spp. strains were identified as Trichoderma asperellum TP-C40 and T. yunnanense TP-G50. The two Trichoderma spp. strains TP-C40 and TP-G50 reduced the number of leaves and roots infected by Fusarium spp. Full article

Zearalenone (ZEN) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) are common Fusarium toxins that are found worldwide in contaminated wheat, corn, oats, and other foods. This study investigated the spatial distribution of ZEN and DON within bagged oat bran and the relationships among fungal taxa. A total of 168 oat bran bags arranged in a three-dimensional space (X = 4, Y = 6, Z = 7) were tested for ZEN and DON concentrations via Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and fungal communities were analyzed by Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing. Samples were grouped by air-exposed surfaces: G0 (no exposure, n = 48), G1 (one exposed surface, n = 80), G2 (two or three exposed surfaces, n = 40). Results showed strong positive correlations between ZEN and DON spatial distributions (r = 0.691~0.930), with G2 having significantly lower toxin levels than G0 and G1 (p < 0.05). Fusarium spp. (e.g., F. aethiopicum, F. pseudonygamai, and F. fujikuroi) were positively correlated with ZEN and DON (p < 0.05), indicating that they are the primary producers of these mycotoxins. Talaromyces (T. funiculosus and T. stollii) and Sarocladium (S. kiliense and S. strictum) were positively correlated with ZEN, DON, and Fusarium spp., while the yeasts D. hungarica, V. victoriae, and H. sinensis exhibited a negative association with those (p < 0.05). Overall, the distribution of ZEN and DON in bagged oat bran was heterogeneous in three-dimensional space, and the distribution pattern was related to air exposure. The extent of air exposure influenced the composition of the fungal community, and the taxa correlating with Fusarium spp. showed potential synergistic or antagonistic associations, collectively influencing the accumulation of mycotoxins. This study provides a reference basis for the prevention of mold contamination during the stacked bag storage of feedstuffs. Full article

In the present study, the endophytic fungus Fusarium fujikuroi was isolated from the medicinal plant Debregeasia salicifolia and cultivated for the extraction of bioactive metabolites. The crude extract was fractionated via gravity column chromatography using solvents of increasing polarity (n-hexane, n-hexane/chloroform 1:1 v/v, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol) to isolate bioactive compounds. The antimicrobial activity of these fractions was evaluated against pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli). Most extracts exhibited significant antimicrobial activity, with the n-hexane/chloroform fraction (HCF) showing the highest efficacy (18 mm inhibition zone), followed by the n-hexane fraction while Ciprofloxacin was used as a positive control. Fractions were tested in triplicate; antibacterial activities (p < 0.05) were highest in the HCF. Bioactive compounds from the most potent fractions were further purified and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS profiling revealed the presence of diverse bioactive metabolites, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenols, and fatty acids. Notably, several of these compounds have not been previously reported in Fusarium fujikuroi, highlighting the potential for novel antimicrobial agents from this endophytic strain. In silico toxicity prediction using the ProTox-II tool indicated that the major compounds possess low to moderate toxicity profiles, supporting their potential safety for further biological evaluation. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a cornerstone of food security and livestock production in Paraguay. However, its productivity and grain safety are increasingly threatened by Fusarium species because of their pathogenic capacity and ability to produce mycotoxins. In this study, symptomatic maize leaves collected from commercial fields in Pirapó, Itapúa, during the 2022 growing season were processed to isolate and characterize fungal pathogens. Three isolates displaying typical Fusarium morphology were obtained and examined through macroscopic and microscopic traits. Molecular identification was conducted using translation elongation factor 1-α 1-α (TEF) sequences, followed by phylogenetic inference using maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. The Paraguayan isolates (PYF-MZE22-01, -02, -03) clustered with the ex-type strain Fusarium awaxy CBS139380 in a strongly supported clade, confirming species identity. This finding constitutes the first record of F. awaxy associated with maize in Paraguay, thereby expanding its known geographical distribution. Considering that members of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex are recognized producers of regulated mycotoxins, the detection of F. awaxy raises concerns regarding its pathogenic potential and possible implications for food safety. These results underscore the importance of integrating molecular diagnostics, toxigenic profiling, and surveillance programs to monitor emerging Fusarium taxa in South American agroecosystems. Full article

Ten phyllospheric yeast strains were studied for their potential as biocontrol agents against fruit spoilage mould. The efficacy of these yeasts against Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium fujikuroi was assessed using dual-culture, mouth-to-mouth, radial growth inhibition and post-harvest fruit assays. Additionally, their capacity for producing hydrolytic enzymes was examined. Results from the ten yeasts revealed dual culture antagonism ranging from 41% to 63% against B. cinerea and 23% to 48% against F. fujikuroi, along with radial inhibition ranging from 70% to 100% and 47% to 100%, respectively. Additionally, in vitro inhibition through the production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) varied from 2% to 46% against B. cinerea and 6% to 64% against F. fujikuroi. Overall, Aureobasidium melanogenum J7, Suhomyces pyralidae Y1117, Dekkera anomala V38, and Rhodotorula diarenensis J43 emerged as the best-performing biocontrol yeasts. Volatile organic compounds produced by the four yeasts were also identified and included in fruit bioassays using pears and tomatoes. Various VOCs, including 1-butanol, 3-methylbutanol, and butyric acid, were linked to the antagonistic properties of the selected yeasts. Lastly, the four chosen yeast strains significantly mitigated post-harvest spoilage caused by B. cinerea and F. fujikuroi in pear and tomato fruits, with D. anomala V38 exhibiting the greatest inhibitory activity. These findings underscore a potential sustainable and efficient approach to reducing mould-induced post-harvest spoilage while reducing reliance on synthetic fungicides. Full article

Microorganisms are fundamental drivers of soil productivity, mediating nutrient cycling and pathogen suppression. In this study, we evaluated changes in the fungal community in the soil of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in a field experiment involving the application of a consortium of Paenibacillus pabuli, Priestia megaterium, Pseudomonas koreensis, and Pseudomonas orientalis. Seed pretreatment and seed pretreatment followed by rhizosphere drenching at different growth stages were implemented. Regarding fungal communities in bulk soil, the rhizospheres of untreated and treated plants were characterized based on full-length ribosomal RNA gene (18S-5.8S-28S) metabarcoding sequencing. Despite the compositional shifts, no statistical differences were observed among the alpha diversity metrics. Seed treatment resulted in long-term, targeted suppression of Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium fujikuroi, Fusarium musae, and Fusarium verticillioides from the booting through flowering and dough development stages, outperforming seed pretreatment followed by rhizosphere drenching. A low-modularity network was observed in the rhizosphere of untreated plants. Seed treatment fostered a highly interconnected and uniform network with low hub-betweenness scores. Rhizosphere drenching of pretreated seeds shifted the network topology toward higher hub-betweenness scores, reducing their connectivity by up to 10% in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. These findings provide a framework for optimizing the soil ecosystem for sustainable agriculture. Full article

The fruiting stage of soybean (Glycine max L.) is critical for determining both its yield and quality, thereby influencing global production. While some studies have provided partial explanations for the occurrence of Fusarium species on soybean seeds and pods, the fungal diversity affecting soybean pods in Sichuan Province, a major soybean cultivation region in Southwestern China, remains inadequately understood. In this study, 182 infected pods were collected from a maize–soybean relay strip intercropping system. A total of 10 distinct pod-infecting fungal genera (132 isolates) were identified, and their pathogenic potential on soybean seeds and pods was evaluated. Using morphological characteristics and DNA barcode markers, we identified 43 Fusarium isolates belonging to 8 species, including F. verticillioides, F. incarnatum, F. equiseti, F. proliferatum, F. fujikuroi, F. oxysporum, F. chlamydosporum, and F. acutatum through the analysis of the translation elongation factor gene (EF1-α) and RNA polymerases II second largest subunit (RPB2) gene. Multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, incorporating the Internal Transcribed Spacer (rDNA ITS), β-tubulin (β-tubulin), Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH), Chitin Synthase 1 (CHS-1), Actin (ACT), Beta-tubulin II (TUB2), and Calmodulin (CAL) genes distinguished 37 isolates as 6 Colletotrichum species, including C. truncatum, C. karstii, C. cliviicola, C. plurivorum, C. boninense, and C. fructicola. Among these, F. proliferatum and C. fructicola were the most dominant species, representing 20.93% and 21.62% of the isolation frequency, respectively. Pathogenicity assays revealed significant damage from both Fusarium and Colletotrichum isolates on soybean pods and seeds, with varying isolation frequencies. Of these, F. proliferatum, F. acutatum, and F. verticillioides caused the most severe symptoms. Similarly, within Colletotrichum genus, C. fructicola was the most pathogenic, followed by C. truncatum, C. karstii, C. cliviicola, C. plurivorum, and C. boninense. Notably, F. acutatum, C. cliviicola, C. boninense, and C. fructicola were identified for the first time as pathogens of soybean pods under the maize–soybean strip intercropping system in Southwestern China. These findings highlight emerging virulent pathogens responsible for soybean pod decay and provide a valuable foundation for understanding the pathogen population during the later growth stages of soybean. Full article

Fusarium spp. represent a critical threat to maize production and food safety due to their mycotoxin production. This study introduces a refined molecular identification protocol integrating four genomic regions—ITS1, IGS, TEF-1α, and β-TUB—for robust species differentiation of Fusarium spp. isolates from post-harvest maize in Bulgaria. The protocol enhances species resolution, especially for closely related taxa within the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC). A newly optimized multiplex PCR strategy was developed using three primer sets, each designed to co-amplify a specific pair of toxigenic genes: fum6/fum8, tri5/tri6, and tri5/zea2. Although all five genes were analyzed, they were detected through separate two-target reactions, not in a single multiplex tube. Among 17 identified isolates, F. proliferatum (52.9%) dominated, followed by F. verticillioides, F. oxysporum, F. fujikuroi, and F. subglutinans. All isolates harbored at least one toxin biosynthesis gene, with 18% co-harboring genes for both fumonisins and zearalenone. This dual-protocol approach enhances diagnostic precision and supports targeted mycotoxin risk management strategies. Full article

This study investigated the production, purification, and evaluation of a microbial metabolite with herbicidal activity produced by Fusarium fujikuroi via submerged fermentation. The purified compound (PC) was obtained through organic solvent extraction and chromatographic purification, and assessed in bioassays using Raphanus sativus and Triticum aestivum as bioindicator plants. A concentration of 23 mg mL⁻¹ completely inhibited seed germination in 96-well plate assays, while the crude extract (EXT) and cell-free broth (CFB) allowed radicle protrusion but resulted in abnormal seedlings with chlorosis and reduced growth. Mathematical models estimated that concentrations of 16.0 mg mL⁻¹ for radish and 0.9 mg mL⁻¹ for wheat were sufficient to suppress germination with the PC. In substrate experiments, the PC at 6.4 and 64.0 mg mL⁻¹ did not inhibit germination but caused anomalies in radish and significantly reduced wheat seedling growth. In naturally infested soil, the PC maintained phytotoxicity symptoms for 21 days, and after 28 days, a concentration of 64.0 mg mL⁻¹ significantly reduced radish seedling growth. The results highlight the potential of the compound as a bioherbicide. Full article

Rice bakanae disease (RBD), a major threat in rice-cropping nations, can reduce rice yield and quality. As it is a seed-borne disease, effective seed detection is crucial. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) can rapidly and specifically amplify DNA at a constant temperature with high sensitivity. This research uses LAMP to develop rapid RBD pathogen detection systems. Primers were designed targeting the NRPS31 gene of Fusarium fujikuroi and conserved TEF1α sequences of Fusarium asiaticum, Fusarium proliferatum, and Fusarium andiyazi. These reactions at 60 °C for 60 min had a detection limit of 100 pg·μL⁻¹, and LAMP proved applicable in field trials. Full article

Rice spikelet rot disease (RSRD) affects the production and market price of rice, and can be harmful to humans and livestock. In this study, 51 strains of Fusarium spp. were isolated from rice spikelets in the Lin’an, Yuhang, and Fuyang regions. The isolates comprised four composite species: Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), Fusarium asiaticum species complex (FSAMSC), Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), Fusarium commune species complex (FNSC), and five species of Fusarium spp. (F. luffae, F. sulawesiense, F. asiaticum, F. fujikuroi, and F. commune). The separation rate of F. sulawesiense was the highest (41.2%), followed by F. asiaticum at 37.3%. The results of this study, compared with those of other studies, found that the newly discovered species of Fusarium spp. associated with RSRD were FSAMSC (F. asiaticum) and FNSC (F. commune). Temperature is one of the important factors causing RSRD; the optimal growth temperature for F. sulawesiense and F. commune was 30 °C, and the optimal growth temperature for other species was 25 °C. A high temperature of 35 °C did not inhibit the growth of Fusarium, as F. commune and F. fujikuroi could grow at this temperature. At 20–30 °C, the growth rate of F. asiaticum was higher than those of other strains. To determine whether the occurrence of RSRD is related to the correlation between Fusarium and other fungi in rice spikelets under different health conditions, the genetic diversity of fungi in rice spikelets was analyzed by amplicon Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequencing, and the correlations between strains of Fusarium spp. were measured. The results showed that the fungal diversity of diseased rice spikelets (RD) was higher than that of relatively healthy rice spikelets (RH). Curvularia spp., which was affected by the condition of the spikelets, was negatively correlated with Fusarium spp. in RH and positively correlated with Fusarium spp. in RD. Therefore, Fusarium spp. and Curvularia spp. can jointly cause the occurrence of RSRD. The results of the study are significant for understanding the occurrence of RSRD and formulating prevention and control measures. Full article

Contamination of agricultural products by Fusarium species is a significant concern and is commonly found in various agricultural products. They cause severe economic losses in the products, and contaminate and threaten human and animal health due to the toxins they produce. Therefore, determining species diversity in various agricultural products is crucial. Bozcaada is well suited for cultivating the highest quality Çavuş grape due to its unique location and climate. Therefore, in this study, the sequencing of the tef1 and tub2 genes in Fusarium isolates from table Çavuş and wine grapes Karalahna, which are specific to Bozcaada, was performed, and their phylogenetic relationships were examined. As a result, it was determined that 11 of the 17 isolates were Fusarium annulatum from the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), 2 were Fusarium nirenbergiae from the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), 2 were Fusarium fabacearum from the FOSC, and the last 2 isolates were Fusarium makinsoniae and Fusarium clavus (as ‘clavum’) from the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). The F. makinsoniae and F. fabacearum species obtained in the study are the first recorded for Türkiye. This research highlights the variety of Fusarium species identified in Bozcaada vineyards in Türkiye. Full article

Fusarium fujikuroi is the primary causal agent of rice bakanae disease, which can lead to substantial yield losses. Developing a rapid, highly specific, and accurate method for detecting F. fujikuroi is crucial for effective surveillance, prevention, and control of rice bakanae disease. In this study, a novel detection assay, RPA-Cas12a-F, was developed by integrating recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and Cas12a for the detection of F. fujikuroi. This assay demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) of 1 copy/μL of reference plasmid or 0.1 fg/μL of F. fujikuroi genomic DNA (gDNA). Furthermore, to enable on-site detection, the RPA-Cas12a technique was combined with a lateral flow strip (LFS) for visual readout, thereby developing the RPA-Cas12a-LFS assay. The LOD of the RPA-Cas12a-LFS assay was 1000 copies/μL of plasmid or 10 fg/μL of F. fujikuroi gDNA. The RPA-Cas12a-based assays developed in this study enable rapid, highly accurate, sensitive, and specific detection of F. fujikuroi, making them a promising tool for on-site detection without the need for expensive equipment and time-consuming methodologies. Full article

Fusarium musae is a pathogen belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex, isolated from both banana fruits and immunocompromised patients, therefore hypothesized to be a cross-kingdom pathogen. We aimed to characterize F. musae infection in plant and animal hosts to prove its cross-kingdom pathogenicity. Therefore, we developed two infection models, one in banana and one in Galleria mellonella larvae, as a human proxy for the investigation of cross-kingdom pathogenicity of F. musae, along with accurate disease indexes effective to differentiate infection degrees in animal and plant hosts. We tested a worldwide collection of F. musae strains isolated both from banana fruits and human patients, and we provided the first experimental proof of the ability of all strains of F. musae to cause significant disease in banana fruits, as well as in G. mellonella. Thereby, we confirmed that F. musae can be considered a cross-kingdom pathogen. We, thus, provide a solid basis and toolbox for the investigation of the host–pathogen interactions of F. musae with its hosts. Full article

Pokkah Boeng disease has been observed in nearly all countries where sugarcane is commercially cultivated. The disease was considered a minor concern in earlier times, but due to climate change, it has now become a major issue. It is caused by fungi, specifically the Fusarium fungal complex. Fusarium fujikuroi, F. sacchari, F. oxysporum, F. verticillioides, F. proliferatum, and F. subglutinans are the major species causing the disease in sugarcane. The disease spreads rapidly, and unpredictable environmental conditions, along with the overlap of crop stages with biotic factors, contributed to its increased severity and varied symptom patterns. This disease is primarily airborne, spreading through air currents. Secondary transmission occurs via infected setts, irrigation water, splashed rain, and soil. It typically emerges during hot and humid conditions, particularly when the sugarcane is experiencing rapid growth. The most effective way to control Pokkah Boeng is by cultivating resistant varieties and removing canes exhibiting ‘top rot’ or ‘knife cut’ symptoms. Apply 0.1% carbendazim, 0.2% copper oxychloride, or 0.3% mancozeb for two to three sprayings at 15-day intervals. Using biological methods to control plant pathogens presents a promising alternative to the heavy reliance on chemical fungicides in modern agriculture, which can lead to environmental pollution and the development of resistant strains. Full article