ARS | Publication request: Asymptomatic Colonization of Soybean (Glycine Max) by Fusarium verticillioides

Submitted to: International Fusarium Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: April 2, 2008
Publication Date: August 30, 2008
Citation: Kendra, D.F., Busman, M. 2008. Asymptomatic Colonization of Soybean (Glycine Max) by Fusarium verticillioides. International Fusarium Workshop. 90:53-73.

Technical Abstract: Crop rotation is an integral component in field crop production systems and is highly associated with improved yields and reduced weeds, disease and insect pests. In the U.S. Corn Belt, the most common crop rotation combination involves maize (Zea mays) and soybean (Glycine max). Fusarium verticillioides is often found in maize seeds which constitute an important source of inoculum in the field. In maize plants, the fungus may exist as an endophyte or as a primary causal agent of disease or as a secondary invader vectored by insects and under stress conditions produce a variety of mycotoxins, including fumonisins. At harvest infected debris is littered on the soil surface and incorporated into the soil which serves as an inoculum source for the next season crop. Since there is little information available regarding the interaction of F. verticillioides and soybean we used RT-PCR to quantify fungal colonization in healthy field produced plants. We also developed a greenhouse bioassay using a green fluorescent protein-expressing isolate of F. verticillioides to measure the asymptomatic colonization of soybean plants. Fungal infection and colonization did not affect plant growth and was not influenced by Roundup® treatment. The implication of an asymptomatic F. verticillioides – soybean interaction will be discussed in relation to the ecological usefulness of corn – soybean crop rotation.