Assessment of Fusariotoxins and Toxigenic Potential of Fusarium Spp. in Maize Grains Collected from Pakistan

Abstract

A total of 65 maize grain samples (Zea Mays L.) collected from cold and hot climatic zones of Pakistan lead to isolation of 10 Fusarium supposing deep freezing method. Occurrence of fusarium spp. was high (75%) in cold climatic zones as compared to hot zones (25%). Fumonisins were recorded in both climatic zones, though their incidence was higher in hot climatic zone (range 4,379-9,990 μg/kg). Incidence of A and B trichothecenes was higher in cool climatic zone. Zearalenone (ZON) with mean level 500 μg/kg was positive in only 10% samples of hot climatic zone. Furthermore, co-contamination of fusariotoxins was also observed for fumonisins with ZON, A and B trichothecenes. Among 33 recovered isolates, F. proliferatum, F. tricinctum, F. subglutinans, F. poae, F. nivale and F. acuminatum were found toxigenic.

Keywords

• fumonisins
• synergism
• climatic distribution
• health hazards.