Fusarium species from corn kernels recently harvested and shelled in the fi elds in the Ciudad Serdán Region, Puebla

Abstract

Sixteen corn samples, 10 of national white corn and 6 of “criollo” white were analyzed to determine the Fusaria species present on the kernels, especially those reported as ear and kernel rot inducers, mainly those mycotoxin producers. The identifi ed species, ordered in relation to the number of obtained isolates were F. oxysporum, F. subglutinans, F. moniliforme, F. graminearum, F. anthophilum, F. poae, F. tricinctum, F. sporotrichioides, and F. proliferatum. The species F. oxysporum, F. tricinctum, and F. anthophilum have not been reported causing ear or kernel rots. All of the others have been reported as ear and kernel rots inducers, as well as stalk rots. Besides, most of these species produce various mycotoxins, many of which are capable of causing health problems to humans and animals.