Fusarium verticillioides: The very model of a modern mycotoxigenic phytopathogen

Authors: BLACUTT, ALEX - University Of Georgia; Gold, Scott; Voss, Kenneth; GOA, MINGLU - University Of Georgia; Glenn, Anthony - Tony

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/29/2017
Publication Date: 1/2/2018
Citation: Blacutt, A.A., Gold, S.E., Voss, K.A., Goa, M., and Glenn, A.E. 2018. Fusarium verticillioides: Fusarium verticillioides: Advancements in understanding the toxicity, virulence, and niche adaptations of a model mycotoxigenic pathogen of maize. Phytopathology. doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-06-17-0203-RVW
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-06-17-0203-RVW

Interpretive Summary: The importance of understanding Fusarium verticillioides and its ecology, physiology, and plant pathogenicity cannot be understated due to the threat this fungus posses to corn, one of the most valuable food crops worldwide. Indeed, disease outbreaks and subsequent grain contamination with mycotoxins adversely impact both economic stability and animal health, and may have grave implications for human health and food security. As a species within the genus Fusarium, which is noted for its many plant pathogenic species, data regarding F. verticillioides’ physiology and arsenal of secondary metabolites are important for both basic and applied research efforts across a range of crops. Notorious among these secondary metabolites are the fumonisin mycotoxins, which are important for the virulence of F. verticillioides against corn. Fumonisins have also proven important as tools for research into cell processes. This has allowed for a clear understanding of the mechanism of action and toxicity of fumonisins to animals. There have also been significant advances in understanding the underlying mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. Fusarium verticillioides has also been documented to interact with other microbial pathogens, endophytes, and insects associated with the corn plant. Overall, research on this fungus is invaluable as we strive towards increased global food safety and security. This review aims to present the state of knowledge regarding significant lines of research on F. verticillioides and promotes ongoing investigations into novel mechanisms of adaptation and fitness exhibited by this plant pathogen.

Technical Abstract: The importance of understanding Fusarium verticillioides and its ecological, physiological, and phytopathological functions cannot be understated due to its threat to corn, one of the most valuable food crops worldwide. Indeed, disease outbreaks and subsequent grain contamination with mycotoxins adversely impact both economic stability and animal health, and may have grave implications for human health and food security. As a member of a genus of significant phytopathogens, data regarding F. verticillioides’ physiology and arsenal of secondary metabolites are consequential to both basic and applied research efforts across a range of crops. Notorious among these secondary metabolites are the fumonisins. Studies of these mycotoxins have led to new understandings of the pathogenic nature of F. verticillioides as well as providing tools for research into cell processes. Along with the consequences of infection, data regarding the hemibiotrophic association with its host, wherein F. verticillioides can act as an intercellular endophyte before pathogenesis, has proven a significant advance in understanding the underlying mechanisms of a host-pathogen interaction strategy similar to other significant pathogens. Fusarium verticillioides has also been documented to interact with inhabitants of the corn plant phytobiome, particularly fellow pathogens, endophytes, and insects. Such research is invaluable as we strive towards increased global food safety and security. This review aims to present the state of knowledge regarding significant lines of research on F. verticillioides and promotes ongoing investigations into novel mechanisms of adaptation and fitness exhibited by this model plant pathogen.