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Genotypic Diversity of Aspergillus parasiticus in an Illinois Corn Field

C E McAlpin1, D T Wicklow1, C E Platis1

  • 1Bioactive Agents Research Unit, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, REE, 1815 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61604.

Plant Disease
|March 13, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Soil samples from an Illinois corn field revealed high genotypic diversity in Aspergillus parasiticus populations. Most isolates produced sclerotia and aflatoxins, unlike Aspergillus flavus, highlighting potential crop contamination risks.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus are common soil fungi.
  • These fungi can produce aflatoxins, a potent carcinogen, contaminating crops.
  • Corn fields are susceptible environments for Aspergillus species proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genotypic diversity of Aspergillus parasiticus in Illinois corn field soil.
  • To assess the sclerotia and aflatoxin production capabilities of A. parasiticus isolates.
  • To compare the genotypic diversity and aflatoxin production between A. parasiticus and A. flavus.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of Aspergillus species from soil samples.
  • DNA fingerprinting using PstI digests and the pAF28 repetitive sequence probe.
  • Assessment of sclerotia formation under dark incubation at 25°C.
  • Aflatoxin production analysis (B1, B2, G1, G2).

Main Results:

  • High genotypic diversity was observed in A. parasiticus (83% distinct genotypes).
  • 55% of isolates belonged to distinct DNA fingerprint groups.
  • 82% of A. parasiticus genotypes produced sclerotia.
  • All A. parasiticus isolates produced aflatoxins, while only 36% of A. flavus isolates did.

Conclusions:

  • The A. parasiticus population in this corn field exhibits significant genotypic diversity.
  • A. parasiticus isolates are capable of producing sclerotia and aflatoxins, posing a risk to corn crops.
  • A. parasiticus is a more consistent aflatoxin producer than A. flavus in this environment.
Keywords:
cluster analysislatituderestriction fragments

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