Pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum and F. meridionale on soybean pod blight and trichothecene accumulation

Soybean (Glycine max) is the most important crop in Argentina. At present Fusarium graminearum is recognized as a primary pathogen of soybean in several countries in the Americas, mainly causing seed and root rot and pre‐ and post‐emergence damping off. However, no information about infections at later growth stages of soybean development and pathogenicity of F. graminearum species complex is available. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to compare the pathogenicity of F. graminearum and F. meridionale isolates towards soybean under field conditions and to evaluate the degree of pathogenicity and trichothecene production of these two phylogenetic species that express different chemotypes. Six isolates of F. graminearum and F. meridionale were evaluated during 2012/13 and 2013/14 soybean growing seasons for pod blight severity, percentage of seed infected in pods and kernel weight reduction. The results showed a higher aggressiveness of both F. graminearum and F. meridionale species during the 2013/14 season. However, the differences in pathogenicity observed between the seasons were not reflected in a distinct trichothecene concentration in soybean seeds at maturity. Fusarium meridionale isolates showed similar pathogenicity to F. graminearum isolates but they were not able to produce this toxin in planta during the two field trials.     

Diversity and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum species complex from maize stalk and ear rot strains in northeast China

The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is an important group of pathogens distributed in maize‐producing areas worldwide. This study investigated the genetic diversity and pathogenicity of 40 FGSC isolates obtained from stalk rot and ear rot samples collected from 42 locations in northeastern China during 2013 and 2014. A phylogenetic tree of translation elongation factor (EF‐la) sequences designated the 40 isolates as F. graminearum sensu stricto (67.5%) and F. boothii (32.5%). By using inter‐simple sequence repeat analysis (ISSR), it was shown that the isolates were divided into two clades, which corresponded to the species identity of the isolates. However, the isolates from the two different diseases could not be distinguished in pathogenicity. The disease severity index of seedlings inoculated with stalk isolates was slightly higher than that of seedlings inoculated with isolates from infected ears, whereas the pathogenicity of the stalk and ear isolates were identical.     

Trichothecene genotype and genetic variability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium graminearum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">F. cerealis</Emphasis> isolated from durum wheat in Argentina

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most important fungal diseases affecting wheat worldwide and it is caused mainly by species within the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC). This study evaluated the presence of FGSC in durum wheat from the main growing area in Argentina and analyzed the trichothecene genotype and chemotype of the strains isolated. Also, the genetic variability of the strains was assayed using ISSR markers. Molecular analysis revealed that among the strains isolated and identified morphologically as F. graminearum, there were 14 strains identified as F. cerealis. Also, it revealed that durum wheat grains were mostly contaminated by F. graminearum, being this the only species reported so far, within the FGSC, affecting durum wheat in Argentina. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated a high genetic variability within rather than between F. graminearum populations. All F. graminearum strains presented 15ADON genotype and were able to produce DON while all F. cerealis strains presented the NIV genotype and most of them were able to produce this toxin. The finding of F. cerealis in durum wheat grains indicates the need for investigating if this fungus is the responsible for the NIV contamination found in wheat in Argentina.     

Species composition and genetic structure of Fusarium graminearum species complex populations affecting the main barley growing regions of South America

Members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), such as F. graminearum and F. asiaticum, are the main cause of fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat and barley worldwide. In this study, 117 FGSC isolates obtained from commercial barley grain produced in Argentina (n = 43 isolates), Brazil (n = 35), and Uruguay (n = 39) were identified to species and trichothecene genotypes, and analysed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and sequence‐related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. In addition, reductase (RED) and trichothecene 3‐O‐acetyltransferase (Tri101) were sequenced for a subset of 24 isolates. The majority of the isolates (n = 103) were identified as F. graminearum, which was the only species found in Argentina. In Uruguay, only one F. cortaderiae isolate was found among F. graminearum isolates. In Brazil, F. graminearum also dominated the collection (22/35), followed by F. meridionale (8/35), F. asiaticum (2/35), F. cortaderiae (2/35) and F. austroamericanum (1/35). Species were structured by trichothecene genotype: all F. graminearum were of the 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (ADON), F. meridionale, F. asiaticum and F. cortaderiae were of the nivalenol (NIV), and F. austroamericanum was of the 3‐ADON genotype. Both AFLP and SRAP data showed high levels of genetic variability, which was higher within than among countries. Isolates were not structured by country of origin. SRAP analysis grouped F. graminearum in a separate cluster from the other species within the complex. However, AFLP analysis failed to resolve the species into distinct clades with partial clustering of F. meridionale, F. austroamericanum, F. asiaticum and F. graminearum isolates.     

Comparison of pathogenicity of the Fusarium crown rot (FCR) complex (<Emphasis Type="Italic">F. culmorum</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">F. pseudograminearum</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">F. graminearum)</Emphasis> on hard red spring and durum wheat

Fusarium species involved in the Fusarium crown rot (FCR) complex affect wheat in every stage of development from seedling to grain fill. This study was designed to compare the aggressiveness of the FCR complex members including F. culmorum, F. pseudograminearum and F. graminearum in causing seedling blight, decreased plant vigour and crown rot. To assess their relative pathogenicity, two hard red spring wheat cultivars and two durum wheat cultivars were inoculated in the field with five isolates from each of the three species for two years. Significant differences in patterns of pathogenicity were identified. In particular, F. culmorum caused greater seedling blight while F. pseudograminearum and F. graminearum caused greater crown rot. Greatest yield reductions were caused by F. pseudograminearum. Cultivar differences were identified with respect to seedling disease and late season crown rot. No interactions were identified between cultivar performance and isolates or species with which they were challenged.     

Phenotypic and pathogenic traits of two species of the Fusarium graminearum complex possessing either 15-ADON or NIV genotype

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in Brazil is caused mainly by two members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex, each possessing either a DON/15-ADON chemotype (F. graminearum sensu stricto, Fgss) or a NIV chemotype (F. meridionale, Fmer). In this work, we aimed to characterize and compare isolates belonging to each species, obtained either from wheat or barley, in relation to phenotypic traits (mycelial growth, sporulation and germination) and pathogenicity (in vitro glume infection and in vivo central floret inoculation) to two Brazilian wheat cultivars, Guamirim (moderate susceptible) and BRS 194 (susceptible). Results showed significantly higher growth rates, greater spore production and quicker germination for the Fgss isolates compared to the Fmer isolates, which were also more sensitivity to tebuconazole than the Fgss isolates. All isolates were capable of infecting glume tissues of both varieties, with an overall higher infection frequency for Fgss than Fmer isolates when inoculated in cv. Guamirim than in cv. BRS194, which showed similar infection frequency between the species. Accordingly, in the central-floret inoculation assay, Fgss isolates were also more aggressive than Fmer isolates towards cv. Guamirim, but not towards BRS194, based on the mean area under disease progress curves. It is hypothesized that phenotypic traits and host resistance may play a role in the selection of more aggressive populations under field conditions, thus partially explaining the dominance of Fgss populations associated with FHB of wheat in Brazil.     

Detection of Fusarium langsethiae on wheat in Belgium

In 2010, the populations of Fusarium sp. and Microdochium sp. were monitored in Belgium and 16 strains were identified as Fusarium langsethiae on wheat in Belgium. The other species identified from the sampling were F. poae, F. tritinctum, F. graminearum, F. avenaceum and Microdochium nivale. The pathogenicity potential of the F. langsethiae strains was assessed via an in vitro coleoptile growth rate test on wheat seedlings and compared with strains of F. poae, F. tritinctum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum known to cause Fusarium head blight. The results showed the ability of F. langsethiae to cause retardation in the wheat coleoptile growth rate, but at a lower rate than F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. poae and F. tricinctum. A test for mycotoxin production in vitro showed the ability of the four strains tested to produce T-2 and HT-2 toxins at a rate of up to 290 mg kg^?1. This is the first report on the potential pathogenicity of F. langsethiae on wheat in Belgium, a species known to produce T-2 and HT-2 toxins, which are highly toxic for humans and animals.     

Identification of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> species associated with soybean root rot in Sichuan Province,China

Soybean root rot is a worldwide soil-borne fungal disease threatening soybean production, causing large loss in yield and quality of soybean. Fusarium species are well recognized as the important causal agent of Fusarium root rot, which are often distinct with respect to various factors in different soybean-producing regions around the world. Recently, Fusarium root rot has been frequently reported in Sichuan Province of China, where is unique in its climate and diverse cropping patterns, but it is still unclear about the predominant Fusarium species and their pathogenicity on soybean. In this study, diseased soybean roots were collected from three regions of Sichuan Province during 2014–2015. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene, 78 isolates of Fusarium were identified as nine distinct species. Pathogenicity tests showed that seven species of Fusarium were able to infect soybean, but differed in pathogenicity. F. oxysporum, F. equiseti and F. graminearum were the most aggressive species to soybean, whereas F. fujikuroi and F. verticillioides were not pathogenic to soybean. There was a strong positive correlation of the pathogenicity of Fusarium species with seedling emergence and fresh root weight. In addition, the diversity of Fusarium species varied among soybean-growing regions. To our knowledge, this report on population and pathogenicity of Fusarium species, in particular, F. graminearum, associated with soybean root rot in Sichuan Province of southwest China, will be helpful to provide effective control strategies for the disease.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium ershadii</Emphasis> sp. nov., a Pathogen on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Asparagus officinalis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Musa acuminata</Emphasis>

Two Fusarium strains, isolated from Asparagus in Italy and Musa in Vietnam respectively, proved to be members of an undescribed clade within the Fusarium solani species complex based on phylogenetic species recognition on ITS, partial RPB2 and EF-1α gene fragments. Macro- and micro-morphological investigations followed with physiological studies done on this new species: Fusarium ershadii sp. nov can be distinguished by its conidial morphology. Both isolates of Fusarium ershadii were shown to be pathogenic to the monocot Asparagus officinalis when inoculated on roots and induced hollow root symptoms within two weeks in Asparagus officinalis seedlings. In comparison mild disease symptoms were observed by the same strains on Musa acuminata seedlings.     

Species composition,toxigenic potential and pathogenicity of Fusarium graminearum species complex isolates from southern Brazilian rice

This study aimed to assess the extent and distribution of Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) diversity in rice seeds produced in southern Brazil. Four species and two trichothecene genotypes were detected among 89 FGSC isolates, based on a multilocus genotyping assay: F. asiaticum (69·6%) with the nivalenol (NIV) genotype, F. graminearum (14·6%) with the 15‐acetyldeoxynivalenol (ADON) genotype, and F. cortaderiae (14·6%) and F. meridionale (1·1%), both with the NIV genotype. Seven selected F. asiaticum isolates from rice produced NIV in rice‐based substrate in vitro, at levels ranging from 4·7 to 84·1 μg g^?1. Similarly, two F. graminearum isolates from rice produced mainly 15‐ADON (c. 15–41 μg g^?1) and a smaller amount of 3‐ADON (c. 6–12 μg g^?1). One F. meridionale and two F. cortaderiae isolates did not produce detectable levels of trichothecenes. Two F. asiaticum isolates from rice and two from wheat (from a previous study), and one F. graminearum isolate from wheat, were pathogenic to both crops at various levels of aggressiveness based on measures of disease severity in wheat spikes and rice kernel infection in a greenhouse assay. Fusarium asiaticum and the reference F. graminearum isolate from wheat produced NIV, and deoxynivalenol and acetylates, respectively, in the kernels of inoculated wheat heads. No trichothecene was produced in kernels from inoculated rice panicles by any of the isolates. These findings constitute the first report of FGSC composition in rice outside Asia, and confirm the dominance of F. asiaticum in rice agroecosystems.     

Variation in Pathogenicity Associated with the Genetic Diversity of Fusarium graminearum

We screened 188 isolates of Fusarium graminearum, which originated from northwest Europe, the USA and Nepal, for genetic diversity using a sequence-characterised amplified region polymorphism (SCAR). On the basis of this analysis, 42 of the 118 isolates were selected for random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Three groups were identified, two of which, A and B, contained the isolates from Nepal, and a third, group C, contained the isolates from Europe and the USA. In pathogenicity tests on wheat and maize seedlings, group C isolates were more pathogenic than the group A and B isolates. The isolates were assigned chemotypes based on their ability to produce the trichothecene mycotoxins nivalenol (NIV) and deoxynivalenol (DON). Isolates from group A were equally likely to produce NIV or DON while group B isolates produced predominantly NIV, and group C isolates produced predominantly DON. Within group A, isolates of the two chemotypes were equally pathogenic to wheat but isolates with the NIV chemotype were significantly more pathogenic to maize. The results confirm that distinct genetic groups exist within F. graminearum and demonstrate that these groups have different biological properties, especially with respect to their pathogenicity to two of the most economically important hosts of this pathogen.     

Genetic Diversity of Fusarium Graminearum in Europe and Asia

The biodiversity and phylogeny of Fusarium graminearum isolates originating from different geographical areas was analyzed using isozyme variation, β-tubulin and IGS sequences. Geographically distinct groups of isolates originating from different areas of the Russian Federation, China, Germany and Finland were studied. The complex enzymes (α- and β-esterases, aspartate aminotransferase and superoxide dismutase) and the IGS sequences demonstrated a high level of genetic diversity in F. graminearum. Diversity in the Asian population was higher than in the European one. There was a correlation between genetic clusters of the IGS sequences and geographical origin in F. graminearum. Knowledge of biodiversity and identification of some phylogenetic lineages in F. graminearum will be useful in defining the risk of pathogen evolution as well as benefiting disease management strategies.     

Disease development and mycotoxin production by the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium graminearum</Emphasis> species complex associated with South African maize and wheat

Fungal species comprising the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) may cause disease in maize and wheat. Host preference within the FGSC has been suggested, in particular F. boothii towards maize ears. Therefore, the disease development and mycotoxin production of five FGSC species in maize and wheat grain was determined. Eighteen isolates representing F. acaciae-mearnsii, F. boothii, F. cortaderiae, F. graminearum and F. meridionale were used. Each isolate was inoculated on maize ears and wheat heads to determine host preferences. Disease severity and disease incidence was measured for maize and wheat, respectively. Fungal colonisation and mycotoxins, deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol and zearalenone, was also quantified. Isolates differed significantly (P < 0.05) in their ability to produce symptoms on maize ears, however, no significant differences between FGSC species were determined. Similarly, significant differences (P < 0.05) between isolates but not between FGSC species in disease incidence on wheat were determined. The isolates also differed significantly (P < 0.05) in their ability to colonise maize and wheat grain. No significant differences in fungal colonisation, among the five FGSC species, were determined in field grown maize. However, under greenhouse conditions, F. boothii was the most successful coloniser of maize grain (P < 0.05). In wheat, F. graminearum colonised the grain more successfully and produced significantly more (P < 0.05) DON than the other species. Fusarium boothii isolates were the best colonisers and mycotoxin producers in maize, and F. graminearum isolates in wheat. The selective advantage of F. boothii to cause disease on maize was supported in this study.     

Nivalenol‐producing Fusarium cerealis associated with fusarium head blight in winter wheat in Manitoba,Canada

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in small grain cereals is primarily caused by the members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex. These produce mycotoxins in infected grains, primarily deoxynivalenol (DON); acetylated derivatives of DON, 3‐acetyl‐DON (3‐ADON) and 15‐acetyl‐DON (15‐ADON); and nivalenol (NIV). This study reports the isolation of Fusarium cerealis in infected winter wheat heads for the first time in Canada. A phylogenetic analysis based on the TRI101 gene and F. graminearum species‐specific primers revealed two species of Fusarium: F. graminearum sensu stricto (127 isolates) and F. cerealis (five isolates). Chemotype determination based on the TRI3 gene revealed that 65% of the isolates were 3‐ADON, 31% were 15‐ADON and 4% were NIV producers. All the F. cerealis isolates were of NIV chemotype. Fusarium cerealis isolates can often be misidentified as F. graminearum as the morphological characteristics are similar. Although the cultural and macroconidial characteristics of F. graminearum and F. cerealis isolates were similar, the aggressiveness of these isolates on susceptible wheat cultivar Roblin and moderately resistant cultivar Carberry differed significantly. The F. graminearum 3‐ADON isolates were most aggressive, followed by F. graminearum 15‐ADON and F. cerealis NIV isolates. The findings from this study confirm the continuous shift of chemotypes from 15‐ADON to 3‐ADON in North America. In Canada, the presence of NIV is limited to barley samples and the discovery of NIV‐producing F. cerealis species in Canadian wheat fields may pose a serious concern to the Canadian wheat industry in the future.     

山东省小麦赤霉病菌种群组成及其致病力分化

由禾谷镰孢菌群Fusarium graminearum clade引起的赤霉病是小麦的重要病害。为明确山东省小麦赤霉病菌的种群组成及其致病力,于2011年和2012年从山东省15地市分离了95株小麦赤霉病菌,在形态和分子生物学鉴定种的基础上,采用鉴定B型毒素化学型的特异性引物进行毒素化学型分析。在95个菌株中,93株分离物为禾谷镰孢菌F.graminearum,2株为燕麦镰孢菌F.avenaceum。94株分离物为脱氧雪腐镰孢菌烯醇(deoxynivalenol,DON)化学型,1株为雪腐镰孢菌烯醇(nivalenol,NIV)化学型。在94株DON毒素化学型菌株中,90株为15-乙酰脱氧雪腐镰孢菌烯醇(15-acetyldeoxynivalenol,15-AcDON)化学型,4株为3-乙酰脱氧雪腐镰孢菌烯醇(3-acetyldeoxynivalenol,3-AcDON)化学型。在小麦扬花期,采用单花滴注接种法对29个菌株进行了致病力测定,供试菌株的致病力分化明显。表明在山东省冬小麦产区,产15-AcDON毒素的F.gra-minearum是小麦赤霉病菌的优势种群。     

Genetic Variability of Central European Isolates of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium graminearum</Emphasis> Species Complex

The main causative agents of Fusarium head blight in central Europe are Fusarium graminearum and F. culmorum. We examined the mycotoxin producing ability, aggressiveness and molecular variability of F. graminearum isolates. Altogether twenty-six Hungarian, three Austrian isolates and representatives of eight species identified in the F. graminearum species complex were involved in this study. Mycotoxin producing abilities of the isolates were tested by GC-MS and HPLC. The central European isolates were found to belong to chemotype I (producing deoxynivalenol). Most isolates produced more 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol than 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol suggesting that they belong to chemotype Ib. All F. graminearum isolates were found to be highly pathogenic in in vitro aggressiveness tests. Phylogenetic analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA profiles, and restriction profiles of the intergenic spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene cluster of the isolates allowed clustering of the central European isolates into 17 and 16 haplotypes, respectively. When RAPD and IGS-RFLP data were combined, almost every single central European F. graminearum isolate could be differentiated (27/29 haplotypes). Sequence analysis of a putative reductase gene of some isolates was also performed. Based on molecular data, the majority of the central European isolates belonged to F. graminearum sensu stricto characteristic to the northern hemisphere, with the exception of one Hungarian isolate, which was not related to any known species of the F. graminearum species complex based on sequence data. The taxonomic assignment of two other Hungarian isolates, previously suggested as belonging to F. boothii based on mitochondrial DNA restriction profiles, was supported by sequence analysis.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium temperatum</Emphasis> isolated from maize in France

The presence of Fusarium temperatum in France was investigated by analyzing 40 Fusarium strains, previously isolated from infected maize ears in 2011 and formerly identified as Fusarium subglutinans based on morphological characteristics. In this study, 26 strains out of the 40 were identified as F. temperatum and 14 as F. subglutinans based on sequencing of the translation elongation factor 1α gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the two species represented two clades strongly supported by bootstrap values. The pathogenicity of F. temperatum strains was confirmed on maize ears. This study provides new information about F. temperatum isolated from maize in France.     

Identification,virulence factors characterization,pathogenicity and aggressiveness analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> spp., causing wheat head blight in Iran

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) and also by other species of this genus, is one of the most destructive cereal diseases with high yield losses and mycotoxin contamination worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify Fusarium species, characterize their virulence factors such as trichothecene genotypes and cell wall degrading enzymes (CWDEs), and also investigate virulence of the isolates obtained from wheat plants with FHB symptoms in Golestan province of Iran. Among 41 isolates tested, 24 were F. graminearum sensu stricto (s.s.), six were F. proliferatum, four were F. culmorum, three isolates belonged to each of F. subglutinans and F. meridionale species and one isolate of F. asiaticum was identified. Among Fusarium isolates, the nivalenol (NIV) genotype could be found more frequently, followed by 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol (3-ADON) and 15-acetyl deoxynivalenol (15-ADON) genotypes. Production of trichothecenes in autoclaved rice cultures was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and confirmed by GC–MS. The mean levels of NIV, 3-ADON and 15-ADON produced by Fusarium spp. were 824, 665 and 622 μg kg^?1, respectively. All Fusarium isolates were capable of producing CWDEs, mainly cellulase and xylanase. Lipase and pectinase activities appeared later and at less quantities. In overall, the isolates FH1 of F. graminearum and FH8 of F. proliferatum showed the maximum activity of CWDEs, which was correlated with high level of their virulence and aggressiveness on wheat. On the other hand, correlation was observed between the level and type of trichothecene produced by each isolate and its virulence on wheat. Virulence of trichothecene producing isolates was higher than that of non-trichothecene producing isolates. Our results suggested that CWDEs and trichothecenes, as virulence factors, have considerable roles on virulence and aggressiveness of the pathogen. This is the first report on the effect of trichothecenes and CWDEs on virulence and aggressiveness of Fusarium spp. associated with FHB disease in wheat growing regions of Iran.     

Toxin Profile, Fertility and AFLP Analysis of Fusarium verticillioides from Banana Fruits

Gibberella fujikuroi is composed of at least nine mating populations (MPs), corresponding to biological species and assigned letters (from A to I). Each MP possesses a specific toxicological profile and a preferential host. Members of Fusarium verticillioides and F. thapsinum, anamorphs respectively of MPs A (G. moniliformis) and F (G. thapsina), share identical morphological traits, but they have a different preferential hosts (maize and sorghum, respectively) and toxin profiles, beingable the only member of MP A to produce fumonisins and the only member of MP F to produce moniliformin. Isolates from banana fruits were identified morphologically as F. verticillioides. The isolates were analyzed for fumonisin and moniliformin production. While none of the isolates produced fumonisin, all the isolates produced moniliformin. The isolates were crossed with tester strains of MPs A and F, showing ability to produce fertile perithecia only when crossed by MP A tester strains isolated from maize. However, the time required for the formation of fertile perithecia and their size differed significantly from the usual fertile crosses of strains belonging to MP A. Pathogenicity tests using such isolates of F. verticillioides isolated from banana and a set of F. verticillioides isolates isolated from maize were also performed on banana fruits. The data showed that the isolates from banana were more pathogenic. Finally, isolates from banana and maize were compared using AFLP. The results revealed that isolates from banana and maize produced two distinctly different clusters. In conclusion, isolates of F. verticillioides from banana showed specific traits (toxin production, in vitro fertility, pathogenicity and molecular profiles), that were different to those of the same species from maize. This could reflect important differences in the ecology and natural history of the population from banana and should encourage further investigations into the mechanisms of toxin production and pathogenicity within the same MP.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of the sudden-death syndrome pathogen of soybean in Brazil

Brazilian Fusarium isolates causing soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) were characterized by comparing them with other Fusarium isolates associated with soybean root rot, as well as F. solani f.sp. glycines isolates associated with the disease in the USA, using molecular (mitochondrial and nuclear rDNA), morphological, cultural and pathogenic characteristics. On the basis of pathogenicity data, and restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions, isolates formed a group distinct from nonSDS F. solani isolates, as well as other Fusarium species. ITS sequence analysis also revealed that Brazilian isolates were distinct from the majority of SDS pathogens from the USA ( Fusarium virguliforme ) and conformed to Fusarium tucumaniae .