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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #368832
Research Project: Novel Methods for Controlling Trichothecene Contamination of Grain and Improving the Climate Resilience of Food Safety and Security Programs

Location: Mycotoxin Prevention and Applied Microbiology Research

Title: Genetic diversity and mycotoxin production among Fusarium head blight isolates belonging to the Fusarium tricinctum species complex from Italy

Author
item SENATORE, MARIA TERESA - University Of Bologna, Italy
item Ward, Todd
item O Donnell, Kerry
item Busman, Mark
item PRODI, ANTONIA - University Of Bologna, Italy

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/20/2020
Publication Date: 2/20/2020
Citation: Senatore, M.T., Ward, T.J., O'Donnell, K., Busman, M., Prodi, A. 2020. Genetic diversity and mycotoxin production among Fusarium head blight isolates belonging to the Fusarium tricinctum species complex from Italy [abstract].

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a worldwide cereal disease caused by a complex of Fusarium species resulting in high yield losses, reduction in quality and mycotoxin contamination of grain. In Europe, the principal species responsible for FHB are F. graminearum, F. culmorum and F. poae. However, members of the F. tricinctum species complex (FTSC) have become increasingly important contributors to FHB, likely due to changes in climatic conditions. In addition, members of the FTSC can produce mycotoxins such as moniliformin (MON), enniatins (ENNS) and beauvericin (BEA) that could compromise food safety and animal health. In order to understand genetic diversity among the FTSC and estimate the mycotoxin risk related to these species, we collected FTSC isolates from grain samples harvested in Italy. We analyzed a multilocus DNA sequence dataset (TEF1a, RPB2 and RPB1) to evaluate species diversity and phylogenetic relationships. In addition, we investigated the in vitro production of mycotoxins in relation to species limits within the FTSC. A total of 123 isolates were characterized via multilocus sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses and comparisons to reference isolates deposited in FUSARIUM MLST indicated that F. avenaceum was the most common species (46% of the isolates). However, 14% of the strains were identified as F. acuminatum, 11% of isolates were identified as F. tricinctum, and a single isolate was identified as F. flocciferum. In addition, two isolates were identified as FTSC 1 and FTSC 11, two undescribed and informally named species. Interestingly, 28% of isolates formed a distinct clade in the phylogenetic analysis and may represent a new species. These isolates were identified morphologically as F. tricinctum but were not part of a monophyletic cluster of F. tricinctum in the phylogenetic analysis. Mycotoxin production is being assessed in relation to the observed genetic diversity.