ARS | Publication request: Spatial Patterns of Trichothecene Genotypes of Gibberella zeae in Wheat Fields

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome VX Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2006
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum sensu stricto) is the principal causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley in the USA. Grain infected with G. zeae often contains the trichothecene mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV), threatening the health of humans and livestock. Isolates of G. zeae that produce DON may also produce two acetylated derivatives, 3-ADON and 15-ADON. These derivatives may vary in toxicity, and NIV is considered to be ten times more toxic to animals than DON. We collected GPS-referenced FHB samples from individual wheat fields in Virginia, New York, and North Carolina. We used a PCR assay to evaluate trichothecene genotypes (3-ADON, 15-ADON, and NIV) of G. zeae in these populations. Spatial patterns of trichothecene genotypes were visualized by contour plots of genotype counts over entire fields. Knowledge of the distribution and spread of trichothecene genotypes of G. zeae may be used to infer sources of inoculum for regional epidemics of FHB, and may aid in the development of strategies for disease management. Little or no testing for NIV is currently performed in the eastern United States. Should the NIV genotype be present in the eastern United States, it would be essential to implement appropriate assays for detecting NIV contamination in these regions.