Field Studies on the Relationship betweenFusariumverticillioidesand Maize (Zea maysL.):Effect of Biocontrol Agents on Fungal Infection and ToxinContent of Grains at Harvest

[摘要] Maize (Zea maysL.) is a staple food for the majority of theworld's population.Fusarium verticillioides(Sacc.)Nirenberg (Teleomorph:Gibberella moniliformisWineland;synonym:F. moniliformis) is both a saprophyte and a parasiteof maize and can also be found as an endophyte. The presence of this fungus inmaize constitutes an imminent risk due to its ability to produce fumonisins,mycotoxins with proven carcinogenic effects. The present work investigatedbiocontrol activity ofBacillus amyloliquefaciensandMicrobacterium oleovoransagainstF. verticillioidesinfection and fumonisin B1production infield-grown maize during four consecutive growing seasons. Treatment withB. amyloliquefaciensconsistently reducedF. verticillioidesinoculum and fumonisin content of harvested grains.F. verticillioidescount and fumonisin levels correlatednegatively with rainfall regimes; however, none of these parameters showedsignificant correlation with yields. Treatment with these biocontrol agents mayimprove phytosanitary quality of the grains and reduce toxicological risk in themaize agroecosystem.

[学科分类] 农艺学与作物科学