First Report of Fusarium proliferatum Infecting Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) in China

In 2011, a wilt disease has been detected on carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivar ‘Light Pink Barbara’ in Kunming, Yunnan, China. A Fusarium sp. was consistently recovered from pieces of symptomatic tissues on Petri dishes containing potato dextrose agar (PDA). On the basis of morphological characteristics and molecular identification by DNA sequencing of ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA ITS) and partial translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF) gene region, following their phylogenetic trees construction, the putative causal agent was identified as Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg, and its pathogenicity was finally confirmed by Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a wilt disease caused by F. proliferatum on carnation in China.     

Bulb and Root Rot in Lily (Lilium longiflorum) and Onion (Allium cepa) in Israel

In the past 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in reports, from growers and extension personnel, on bulb and root rots in lily (Lilium longiflorum) in Israel. Rot in these plants, when grown as cut flowers, caused serious economic damage expressed in reduction in yield and quality. In lily, the fungal pathogens involved in the rot were characterized as binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium oligandrum, Fusarium proliferatum (white and purple isolates) and F. oxysporum, using morphological and molecular criteria. These fungi were the prevalent pathogens in diseased plants collected from commercial greenhouses. Pathogenicity trials were conducted on lily bulbs and onion seedlings under controlled conditions in a greenhouse to complete Koch's postulates. Disease symptoms on lily were most severe in treatments inoculated with binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, P. oligandrum and F. proliferatum. Plant height was lower in the above treatments compared with the control plants. The least aggressive fungus was R. solani. In artificial inoculations of onion, seedling survival was significantly affected by all fungi. The most pathogenic fungus was F. proliferatum w and the least were isolates of F. oxysporum (II and III). All fungi were successfully re‐isolated from the inoculated plants.     

Detection and Identification of Aster Yellows Phytoplasma Associated with Lipstick Yellow Frond Disease in Malaysia

Yellowing symptoms similar to coconut yellow decline phytoplasma disease were observed on lipstick palms (Cyrtostachys renda) in Selangor state, Malaysia. Typical symptoms were yellowing, light green fronds, gradual collapse of older fronds and decline in growth. Polymerase chain reaction assay was employed to detect phytoplasma in symptomatic lipstick palms. Extracted DNA was amplified from symptomatic lipstick palms by PCR using phytoplasma‐universal primer pair P1/P7 followed by R16F2n/R16R2. Phytoplasma presence was confirmed, and the 1250 bp products were cloned and sequenced. Sequence analysis indicated that the phytoplasmas associated with lipstick yellow frond disease were isolates of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ belonging to the 16SrI group. Virtual RFLP analysis of the resulting profiles revealed that these palm‐infecting phytoplasmas belong to subgroup 16SrI‐B and a possibly new 16SrI‐subgroup. This is the first report of lipstick palm as a new host of aster yellows phytoplasma (16SrI) in Malaysia and worldwide.     

Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis Races from Different Areas of Italy

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis (FOM) is a devastating disease of melon worldwide. Pathogenicity tests performed with F. oxysporum isolates obtained from Italian melon‐growing areas allowed to identify thirty‐four FOM isolates and the presence of all four races. The aims of this work were to examine genetic relatedness among FOM isolates by race determination and to perform phylogenetic analyses of identified FOM races including also other formae speciales of F. oxysporum of cucurbits. Results showed that FOM race 1,2 was the most numerous with a total of eighteen isolates, while six and nine isolates were identified as race 0 and 1, respectively, and just one isolate was assigned to race 2. Phylogenetic analysis was performed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling and by translation elongation factor‐1α (TEF‐1α) sequencing. The analysis of RAPD profiles separated FOM races into two distinct clades. Clade 1, which included races 0, 1 and 1,2, was further divided into ‘subclade a’ which grouped almost all race 1,2 isolates, and into ‘subclade b’ which included race 0 and 1 isolates. Clade 2 comprised only race 2 isolates. The phylogenetic analysis based on TEF‐1α separated FOM from the other formae speciales of F. oxysporum. Also with TEF‐1α analysis, FOM races 0, 1 and 1,2 isolates grouped in one single clade clearly separated from FOM race 2 isolates which grouped closer to F. oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum. RAPD technique was more effective than TEF‐1α in differentiating FOM race 1,2 isolates from those belonging to the closely related races 0 and 1. Both phylogenetic analyses supported the close relationship between the three different FOM races which might imply the derivation from one another and the different origin of FOM race 2.     

Identification of Fusarium proliferatum causing leaf spots on Cymbidium orchids in Taiwan

Previous research indicated that black and yellow leaf spots on Cymbidium, Ondontioda, Dendrobium and Cattleya could be caused by Fusarium proliferatum worldwide. However, the agent causing leaf spot on Cymbidium spp. plants is still obscure in Taiwan. Thirty‐five F. fujikuroi species complex (FFSC)‐like isolates were collected from Cymbidium leaf spot from different greenhouses in Taiwan. All isolates were identified as F. proliferatum based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Sequence of translation elongation factor 1‐alpha gene showed 99%–100% homology with F. proliferatum. In addition, two assay techniques using either detached leaves or seedlings were used to evaluate the pathogenicity and host range of the isolates and consequently their effects on Cymbidium and other orchid plants. Pathogenicity assays revealed that all isolates induced black and necrotic spots on detached leaves of Cymbidium, showing 9.4%–29.5% severity on seedlings of Cymbidium. Results of host specificity tests on detached leaves of different plants indicated that the F. proliferatum isolates collected from Cymbidium plants caused severe black spots on Oncidium, Cymbidium, Dendrobium and Cattleya plants. The symptoms on Phalaenopsis plants were relatively mild. Results of host specificity tests on plant seedlings indicated that the F. proliferatum isolates of Cymbidium origin were also pathogenic to Oncidium, Cymbidium and Dendrobium, but not to Cattleya and Phalaenopsis. Phylogenetic analysis of the translation elongation factor (TEF) gene among all fungal isolates using maximum parsimony (MP) and Bayesian inference (BI) methods revealed that the isolates of F. proliferatum from Cymbidium spp. could be separated from other FFSC‐like species with high phylogenetic support.     

Fusarium Species Associated with Mango Malformation in Peninsular Malaysia

Mango malformation has become the most important global disease on mango. Fusarium species previously associated with this disease include F. mangiferae, F. mexicanum, F. sterilihyphosum, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans and F. tupiense. A few strains of F. proliferatum have been reported from Malaysia, but in this study, we report the results of more extensive sampling. The recovered strains were evaluated with morphology, mating tester strain cross‐fertility, amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs), and partial DNA sequences of the genes encoding translation elongation factor 1‐α (tef‐1α) and β‐tubulin (tub‐2). Amongst the 43 strains evaluated, three species were identified – F. proliferatum, F. mangiferae and F. subglutinans – with F. proliferatum being the most frequent (69%). None of the Fusarium species that appear to originate in the Americas were recovered in Malaysia, which suggests special measures may be warranted to keep these species from entering the country.     

Rapid diagnosis of rice bakanae caused by Fusarium fujikuroi and F. proliferatum using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assays

Rice bakanae is an important disease that causes serious rice production loss worldwide. We describe a new method for rapid diagnosis of rice bakanae caused by Fusarium fujikuroi and F. proliferatum, based on loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays. After screening, primers were selected to target FusariumDNA sequences, that is, the intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the nuclear ribosomal operon and reductase‐coding region (RED1) in F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum, respectively. Both LAMP assays efficiently amplified target genes in 70 min at 62°C. A colour change from purple to sky blue (visible to the unaided eye) was observed in the presence of the DNA of the targeted pathogens only, by adding hydroxynaphthol blue to the reaction system prior to amplification. The minimum of genomic DNA needed in the assays was 67 and 346 pg/μl for F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum, respectively. Using the two assays described here, we successfully and rapidly diagnosed suspected diseased rice plant and seed samples collected from Jiangsu Province.     

Phylogeny,morphology and pathogenicity of Elsinoë ampelina,the causal agent of grapevine anthracnose in Brazil and Australia

Anthracnose caused by Elsinoë ampelina is one of the most important table grape diseases in humid regions in Brazil and Australia. The objective of this study was to characterize E. ampelina isolates from Brazil and Australia by means of phylogenetic analyses, morphological features and pathogenicity tests. Phylogenetic relationships among 35 isolates were determined based on a data set of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), histone H3 (HIS3) and elongation factor 1‐α (TEF) sequences. In phylogenetic tree analyses, using a combined ITS and TEF sequence alignment, all E. ampelina isolates were clustered together in a single well‐supported clade. In contrast to the absence of genetic variability within ITS and TEF sequences, HIS3 sequences showed 54 polymorphic sites. The haplotype network generated from HIS3 data set showed four distinct haplotypes. EA1 was the predominant haplotype including 29 isolates from both countries. High genetic variability was observed in two Brazilian isolates, haplotype EA4, which may have lost the intron region during species evolution. Colony colours differed between Brazilian and Australian isolates, but showed similar wrinkled colony texture, absence of spores, sparse‐to‐absent white aerial mycelium and slow growth (0.049–0.060 mm/day). Brazilian isolates produced conidia of 5.65 × 2.65 μm, larger than conidia from Australian isolates, which measured 5.14 × 2.30 μm. In pathogenicity tests, all nine Australian isolates inoculated were pathogenic on detached canes and potted vines of table grape.     

Characterization and pathogenicity of Fusarium proliferatum causing stem rot of Hylocereus polyrhizus in Malaysia

During a series of sampling in 2008 and 2009, stem rot disease was detected in Hylocereus polyrhizus plantations in Malaysia, with symptom appeared as circular, brown sunken lesion with orange sporodochia and white mycelium formation on the lesion surface. Eighty‐three isolates of Fusarium were isolated from 20 plantations and were morphologically identified as F. proliferatum based on the variability of colony appearance, pigmentation, growth rate, length of chains, production of bluish sclerotia, concentric ring aerial mycelium and sporodochia. Three species‐specific primers, namely ITS1/proITS‐R, PRO1/2 and Fp3‐F/4‐R successfully produced PCR products and confirmed that the isolates from stem rot of H. polyrhizus were F. proliferatum isolates. From BLAST search of translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (TEF1‐α) sequences, the isolates showed 99–100% similarity with F. proliferatum deposited in GenBank which further confirmed that the isolates were F. proliferatum. The results from amplification of MAT‐allele specific primers indicated that 14.5% of F. proliferatum isolates carried MAT‐1 allele and 85.5% carried MAT‐2. Crossing results showed that all 83 F. proliferatum isolates were male fertile showing positive crosses with the tester strains of MATD‐1 and MATD‐2. Perithecia oozing ascospore were produced. Forty isolates as representative were evaluated for pathogenicity test, produced rot symptoms similar to those observed in the fields which confirmed the isolates as the causal agent of stem rot of H. polyrhizus. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stem rot of H. polyrhizus caused by F. proliferatum in Malaysia.     

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Phomopsis theicola Anamorph of Diaporthe foeniculina Causing Stem and Shoot Cankers on Sweet Chestnut in Italy

In March 2014, an outbreak of shoot cankers was observed on grafted Castanea sativa plants in a glasshouse in central Italy. Morphological characteristics led to the identification of isolates of Phomopsis recovered from cankered stems and shoots. Based on the morphological characteristics of colony appearance, shape of conidia and conidiomata as well as sequences of internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), actin (ACT) and translation elongation factor (TEF‐1α), the fungus was identified as Phomopsis theicola/Diaporthe foeniculina. Pathogenicity test showed that P. theicola isolates were pathogenic to C. sativa when artificially inoculated, reproducing the symptoms originally observed. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re‐isolating the pathogen. This is the first report of P. theicola/D. foeniculina causing stem and shoot cankers and dieback on C. sativa in Italy or elsewhere.     

Characterization of Fusarium spp. associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot in Peninsular Malaysia

Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one the important fruit crops planted in Malaysia, and this study was conducted to determine Fusarium spp. associated with diseases of the fruit crop as Fusarium is prevalent in tropical countries. Our objective was to identify and characterize Fusarium spp. associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot mainly found on the fruits and leaves in Peninsular Malaysia. Fusarium isolates (n = 108) associated with pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot were characterized by morphological, molecular and phylogenetic analyses, a mating study and pathogenicity testing. TEF‐1α sequence analysis identified Fusarium proliferatum, Fusarium verticillioides, Fusarium sacchari and Fusarium sp. Mating was successful only between tester strains of F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides. Sexual crosses with standard tester strains showed that 82 isolates of F. proliferatum produced fertile crosses with mating population D (Gibberella intermedia) and three isolates of F. verticillioides were fertile with the tester strain of mating population A (Gibberella moniliformis). All isolates were pathogenic, causing pineapple fruit rot and leaf spot, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates.     

First Report of Stem Canker on Phoenix Tree (Firmiana simplex) Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in China

A stem canker disease was observed on the phoenix trees located in the region of Dezhou, Shandong province. Symptomatic stems were collected and evaluated for the possible casual agent of the disease. A fungus resembling Fusarium sp. was consistently isolated from pieces of symptomatic tissues. The fungus formed abundant aerial mycelium on potato dextrose agar and produced the micro‐ and macro‐conidia on carnation leaf agar. The nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer of the rDNA from three representative isolates showed 100% identical to those of Fusarium oxysporum isolates deposited in the GenBank database. On the basis of morphological characteristics, pathogenicity test and molecular identification, the causal agent was identified as F. oxysporum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of stem canker on phoenix tree caused by F. oxysporum in China.     

Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum Isolates from Malaysia and F. oxysporuin f. sp. elaeidis from Africa to Seedlings of Oil Palms (Elaeis guineensis)

Pathogenicity tests with Fusarium oxysporum isolated form Malaysian oil palm were made with oil palms seedlings raised form Malaysian seed as well s with wilt-susceptible seedlings gown from African seed. Oil palm seedlings grown form Malaysian seed were also inoculated with African isolates of F. oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis and F. oxysporum var. redolens. The experiments were made under normal soil moisture conditions and under water stress. F. oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis isolates form Africa were pathogenic to oil palm seedlings from Malaysian seeds but the Malaysian F oxysporum isolates were non-pathogenic to plams grown from Malaysian seed or the wilt-susceptible palms from African seed. Seedlings from Malaysian seed proved to be highly susceptible to the vascular wilt disease caused by F. oxysporum f. sp. elaeidis as 75–90% of the palms were infected. The susceptibility of the palms from Malaysian seed varied with different African isolates tested. The Yaligimba isolate from Zaire which was found to be F. oxysporum var. redolens was the most virulent. Disease was more severe when oil palm seedlings were subjected to a period of water stress. The incidence of death in the seedlings under stress conditions was 45% as compared with only 15% for palms grown under normal conditions.     

In vitro Antagonistic Interactions Between Endophytic Basidiomycetes of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) and Ganoderma boninense

Ganoderma boninense is a white rot basidiomycete that causes basal stem rot disease of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The aims of this study were to identify endophytic basidiomycetes occurring naturally within oil palm and to assess their potential as biocontrol agents against G. boninense strain PER71 in vitro. In total, 376 isolates were recovered from samples collected from the root, stem and leaves of oil palm using Ganoderma‐selective medium. Ten of these isolates (2.7% of the total 376 isolates) were identified as basidiomycetes on the basis of clamp connections and the production of poroid basidiomes after incubation in glass jars containing PDA medium for 7–12 days. The isolates were identified using ITS rDNA sequencing as Neonothopanus nambi (five isolates), Schizophyllum commune (four isolates) and Ganoderma orbiforme (one isolate). The N. nambi isolates showed the greatest antagonistic activity against G. boninense, based on 73–85% inhibition of the radial growth measurements of G. boninense in dual culture and 76–100% inhibition of G. boninense growth in a culture filtrate assay. Possible modes of action for the antagonism shown by N. nambi against G. boninense in vitro include competition for substrate availability, space and the production of non‐volatile metabolites or antibiotics that inhibited the growth of G. boninense. Further in vivo investigations are required to determine the ability of N. nambi isolates to colonize oil palm seedlings and to protect oil palm from infection when challenged with G. boninense.     

Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequence Analysis of Puccinia helianthi Schw. and Its Application in Detection of Sunflower Rust

Two basidiomycete‐specific primers ITS1‐F and ITS4‐B were used in identification of the genus Puccinia. The primers showed good specificity for the genus with an 816‐bp product that was amplified exclusively. Twenty sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of Puccinia helianthi isolates from China remain unchanged. The whole ITS length (including ITS1 sequence 194 bp, 5.8S rRNA gene 156 bp, ITS2 sequence 206 bp) was 556 bp. By comparing the aligned ITS sequences of several Puccinia isolates from China, Spain and the United States, ITS homogeneity among these sunflower rust isolates was >99%. Genetic homology and phylogeny of P. helianthi with other Puccinia spp. was investigated. Nineteen sequences of rDNA ITS1 and ITS2 were determined and used as phylogenetic markers. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS regions showed that Puccinia spp. of sunflower was clustered in one clade with P. komarovii and P. violae, divergent from Puccinia spp. of Chrysanthemum, P. tenaceti of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and Puccina spp. of big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentate) indicating sunflower rust had distant phylogenetic relationships with other Compositae rusts. With the specified primers SR‐1 and SR‐2, either from purified urediniospores or symptomless (but infected) sunflower leaves could be examined specifically. Therefore, results of this study help in detection and polygenetic study of rust fungi occurring on sunflower.     

Identification of Fungal Species Associated with Cladode Spot of Prickly Pear and Their Sensitivity to Chitosan

México is the most important producer of prickly pear (Opuntia ficus‐indica) in the world. There are several fungal diseases that can have a negative impact on their yields. In this study, there was a widespread fungal richness on cladodes spot of prickly pears from México. A total of 41 fungi isolates were obtained from cladodes spot; 11 of them were morphologically different. According to the pathogenicity test, seven isolates caused lesions on cladodes. The morphological and molecular identification evidenced the isolation of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium lunatum, Curvularia lunata. All these species caused similar symptoms of circular cladodes spot. However, it is noticeable that some lesions showed perforation and detachment of affected tissues by Fusarium lunatum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the Fusarium lunatum as phytopathogenic fungus of cladodes of prickly pear. The chitosan inhibited the mycelium growth in the seven isolates of phytopathogenic fungi. Chitosan applications diminished the disease incidence caused by C. gloeosporioies and F. lunatum in 40 and 100%, respectively. Likewise, the lesion severity index in cladodes decreased. There are no previous reports about the application of chitosan on cladodes of prickly pears for the control of phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, this research could contribute to improve the strategies for the management of diseases in prickly pear.     

Genetic Characterization and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia solani Associated with Common Bean Web Blight in the Main Bean Growing area of Argentina

Common bean web blight (WB), caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph Thanatephorus cucumeris), is among the endemic fungal diseases of major impact in north‐western Argentina (NWA). This study aimed to analyse the genetic and pathogenic diversity of R. solani in Salta, NWA, where 97 isolates were recovered from commercial bean cultivars and wild beans showing WB symptoms in a major bean production area. The isolates were characterized on the basis of specific primers, rDNA‐ITS sequences and morphological characteristics. All the isolates were identified as R. solani AG 2‐2WB, and they exhibited considerable intragroup variation. The phylogenetic tree generated with the ITS sequences confirmed the isolates identification. Aggressiveness of the isolates towards bean seedlings was assessed in the greenhouse. A great variability in virulence was observed among the isolates analysed. On the basis of the disease reaction on foliar tissues, the isolates were grouped into three virulence categories as follows: weakly virulent (30%), moderately virulent (38%) and highly virulent (32%). However, no correlation between virulence and geographical origin was detected. The information generated in this study provides initial data on the population variability of the WB pathogen in north‐western Argentina and represents a valuable contribution to regional breeding programmes aimed to obtain cultivars with durable resistance.     

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Fusarium Isolated From Maize in Syria

Maize is the third most important cereal after wheat and barley in Syria. Maize plants are attacked by several Fusarium species causing mainly stalk and ear rot of maize which poses a major impact worldwide. Identification of Fusarium species is important for disease control and for assessment of exposure risk to mycotoxines. To identify Fusarium species attacking maize in Syria, a total of 32 Fusarium isolates were recovered from maize ears collected from four different geographical regions, mainly from Ghouta surrounding Damascus. Fusarium isolates were identified based on morphology and on partial DNA sequencing of the TEF1‐α and rDNA/ITS genes. The majority (26 of 32) of these isolates was identified as F. verticillioides (subdivided into four groups), whereas three isolates turned out to be F. thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi. The remaining three isolates were close to F. andiyazi, although further investigation is needed to confirm whether they represent a yet undescribed species. Furthermore, our results showed that sequencing the TEF1‐α gene is much more informative than sequencing of the rDNA/ITS region for Fusarium identification at the species level. PCR analysis showed that only F. verticillioides isolates were potentially fumonisin producers and that only the F. equiseti isolate was potentially trichotecene producer. This is the first report on Fusarium thapsinum, F. equiseti and F. andiyazi attacking maize in Syria.     

First Report of Fusarium proliferatum Causing Rot of Stored Garlic Bulbs (Allium sativum L.) in Italy

During 2011, Fusarium rot of stored garlic was detected on bulbs of ‘Aglio Bianco’ (white garlic) in Piacenza, Ferrara and Rovigo districts. Bulbs, harvested in July, were asymptomatic. During conservation in the drying sheds, approximately thirty percent of bulbs appeared emptied and softened. Fusarium proliferatum was consistently recovered from infected bulbs. The morphological identification was confirmed by Translation Elongation Factor 1‐alpha gene sequencing. Koch postulates were checked through pathogenicity tests. The disease has already been reported in Serbia, Germany, Spain, United States, China and India, but to our knowledge, this is the first report of F. proliferatum garlic bulb rot in Italy.     

Fusarium Species from the Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Involved in Mixed Infections of Maize in Northern Sinaloa,Mexico

Fusarium species belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) are associated with maize in northern Mexico and cause Fusarium ear and root rot. In order to assess the diversity of FFSC fungal species involved in this destructive disease in Sinaloa, Mexico, a collection of 108 fungal isolates was obtained from maize plants in 2007–2011. DNA sequence analysis of the calmodulin and elongation factor 1α genes identified four species: Fusarium verticillioides, F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum (comprising 79, 23, 4 and 2 isolates, respectively). Differential distribution of Fusarium species in maize organs was observed, that is F. verticillioides was the most frequently isolated species from maize seeds, while F. nygamai predominated on maize roots. Mixed infections with F. verticillioides/F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides/F. nygamai were detected in maize seeds and roots, respectively. Pathogenicity assay demonstrated the ability of the four species to infect maize seedlings and induce different levels of disease severity, reflecting variation in aggressiveness, plant height and root biomass. Isolates of F. verticillioides and F. nygamai were the most aggressive. These species were able to colonize all root tissues, from the epidermis to the vascular vessels, while infection by F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum was restricted to the epidermis and adjacent cortical cells. This is the first report of F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum infecting maize in Mexico and co‐infecting with F. verticillioides. Mixed infections should be taken into consideration due to the production and/or accumulation of diverse mycotoxins in maize grain.