Production of Fumonisins by Fusarium moniliforme Strains Isolated from Corn Grain

Fusarium moniliforme is the predominant fusarium species in the grain mycoflora of corn grown in the northern Caucasus, accounting for 95% of fusarium isolates. Eighty-five Fusarium moniliforme strains were grown on a grain substrate and checked for the presence of fumonisins (B₁ + B₂ + B₃) by indirect solid-phase enzyme immunoassay. All strains were capable of producing fumonisins (0.95 to 32 500 mg/kg). Strains sampled in Krasnodar krai produced the highest fumonisin levels (averaging 5490 mg/kg). Fusarium moniliforme strains were subdivided into three morphological types. The types differed significantly in the rate of fumonisin production. Strains belonging to the mycelial type (I) produced the greatest amount of the toxin, and those of the pionnotal type (III) were the least active. Strains of the sporodochial type (II) had an intermediate activity. The mean levels of fumonisin accumulation (mg per kg) for each type were I, 7460; II, 1150; and III, 227.