TOXIGENIC POTENTIAL OF THE FUSARIUM GRAMINEARUM COMPLEX IN MAIZE FROM NORTHWEST ARGENTINA: GENOTYPIC AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION

PEREYRA, N.J.; VATTUONE, M.A.; CATALÁN, C. A. N.; SAMPIETRO, D. A.

Tafi del Valle

Congreso; XXVIII Annual scientific meeting of the Tucuman biology association; 2011

Tucuman biology association

The mycotoxigenic genotypes and phenotypes of the Fusarium graminearum complex from maize of northwest Argentina were determined. Multiplex PCRs based on TRI3/TRI 12 and single PCRs based on TRl7 /TRIl3 were performed using DNA of 14 strains of Fusarium graminearum complex (F. boothii and F. meridionale) isolated from maize of northwest Argentina. Mycotoxigenic phenotype was determined in rice medium. Multiplex and single PCRs indicated that 78% of strains (F. meridionale) had NIV genotype, while the remaining 22% (F.boothii) had DON or 15ADON genotypes . The chemical analysis distinguished F. meridionale strains as NIV producers only, DON/NIV producers or NIV/DON' producers . Strains of F.boothii showed DON production only. Our results indicated for the first time that strains of the F.graminearum complex isolated from maize of northwest Argentina are really NIV and DON producers. Dominance ofNIV genotype is unprecedented in Argentina and further research is needed to determine the real impact of the identified trichothecene chemotypes on food safety in northwest Argentina.