Factors of the Fusarium verticillioides-maize environment modulating fumonisin production

Abstract

Fumonisins are mycotoxins mainly produced by two Fusarium species: F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum. These toxins are of great concern due to their widespread contamination in maize and their adverse effects on animal and human health. In the past decade, progress was made in identifying the genes required for fumonisin biosynthesis. Additionally, molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of fumonisin production have been very recently elucidated. By covering the latest advances concerning the factors modulating fumonisin production, this review aims at presenting an integrated approach of the overall mechanisms involved in the regulation of fumonisin biosynthesis during maize kernel colonization.

Keywords::

• Maize-pathogen interaction
• toxin regulation
• ecophysiological factors
• pH
• nutrient sources

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Sophia Ahmed for her proof reading.

Declaration of interest

The authors are grateful to ARVALIS-Institut du végétal and the ANRT (National Agency for Research and Technology) for their financial support as part of a PhD grant.