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Introductory biology of Fusarium moniliforme
1Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506-5502, USA.
Abstract:
Fusarium moniliforme is a name that has been applied to any of six biological species (or mating populations) that share the teleomorph (sexual stage) Gibberella fujikuroi. Two of these six biological species, termed "A" and "D", are known to produce fumonisin mycotoxins. Strains from the "A" biological species grow as endophytes on maize and often comprise 90+% of the Fusarium isolates recovered from healthy maize seed. It is possible to distinguish all six biological species using sexual fertility and isozymes. Other attributes, such as morphological characters and sequences from the ribosomal DNA internally transcribed spacer (rDNA-ITS) region, can be used to identify some, but not all, of the biological species. Within a biological species, genetic variability and population structure can be assessed with anonymous RFLPs and tests of vegetative compatibility. The "A" biological species is genetically diverse, and the sexual cycle appears to be important in the life cycle of field populations of this organism in the United States.
Insights
Fusarium moniliforme encompasses six species, with "A" and "D" producing fumonisin mycotoxins. Species "A" is genetically diverse, with its sexual cycle crucial for U.S. field populations.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Fusarium moniliforme is a species complex with six biological species sharing the Gibberella fujikuroi teleomorph.
- Two species,
- A
- and
- D
- , are known fumonisin producers.
- Species
- A
- frequently colonizes maize as an endophyte.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the taxonomic and genetic diversity within the Fusarium moniliforme species complex.
- To identify methods for distinguishing between the six biological species.
- To assess the genetic variability and population structure of the
- A
- biological species.
Main Methods:
- Distinguishing biological species using sexual fertility and isozyme analysis.
- Utilizing morphological characters and ribosomal DNA internally transcribed spacer (rDNA-ITS) sequences for identification.
- Assessing genetic variability with anonymous Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs) and vegetative compatibility tests.
Main Results:
- Sexual fertility and isozymes effectively differentiate all six biological species.
- Morphological characters and rDNA-ITS sequences partially identify species.
- The
- A
- biological species exhibits significant genetic diversity.
- The sexual cycle plays a vital role in the population dynamics of
- A
- in U.S. fields.
Conclusions:
- The Fusarium moniliforme complex requires precise species delineation for accurate mycotoxin risk assessment.
- Genetic methods like RFLPs and vegetative compatibility are essential for understanding population structure.
- The
- A
- biological species' genetic diversity and sexual reproduction impact its ecological role and potential for fumonisin production.