Journal of Applied Microbiology (2014) 116, 1607-1620
A. Dawidziuk, G. Koczyk, D. Popiel, J. Kaczmarek and M. Busko (2014)
Molecular diagnostics on the toxigenic potential of Fusarium spp. plant pathogens
Journal of Applied Microbiology 116 (6), 1607-1620
Abstract:
Aims
We propose and test an efficient and rapid protocol for the detection of toxigenic Fusarium isolates producing three main types of Fusarium-associated mycotoxins (fumonisins, trichothecenes and zearelanone).
Methods and Results
The novel approach utilizes partially multiplexed markers based on genes essential for mycotoxin biosynthesis (fumonisin-fum6, fum8; trichothecenes-tri5, tri6; zearalenone, zea2) in Fusarium spp. The protocol has been verified by screening a collection of 96 isolates representing diverse species of filamentous fungi. Each Fusarium isolate was taxonomically identified through both molecular and morphological techniques. The results demonstrate a reliable detection of toxigenic potential for trichothecenes (sensitivity 100%, specificity 95%), zearalenone (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%) and fumonisins (sensitivity 94%, specificity 88%). Both presence and identity of toxin biosynthetic genes were further confirmed by direct sequencing of amplification products.
Conclusions
The cross-species-specific PCR markers for key biosynthetic genes provide a sensitive detection of toxigenic fungal isolates, contaminating biological material derived from agricultural fields.
Significance and Impact of the Study
The conducted study shows that a PCR-based assay of biosynthetic genes is a reliable, cost-effective, early warning system against Fusarium contamination. Its future use as a high-throughput detection strategy complementing chemical assays enables effective targeted application of crop protection products.
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Database assignments for author(s): Joanna Kaczmarek, Adam Dawidziuk
Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
