PCR-based assay for the rapid detection of fumonisin-producing Fusarium species in maize-based animal and poultry feeds in Karnataka, India

Abstract

One hundred and fourteen animal feedstuffs and eighty poultry feed mixtures commonly used for animal and poultry nutrition in Karnataka, India, were analysed for Fusarium contamination. The total counts of fusaria in animal feeds and poultry feed mixtures revealed a high incidence of F. verticillioides, being isolated from all positive samples. Most contaminated samples were maize pellets (71.4%), cotton seed (66.6%), maize powder (60%) and fine wheat bran (50%), respectively, while no Fusarium species was isolated from Bengal gram husk and wheat flakes. All the Fusarium species were identified by the PCR method using genus specific ITS and group specific FUM 1 primers. Of the 374 Fusarium isolates tested with ITS set of primers, all fusaria scored positive, whereas only 244 (65%) isolates tested positive with the FUM 1 set of primers. The specificity of the primers provides the basis for a simple, accurate and precise detection of Fusarium species that represents fumonisin producers, which are a considerable risk for animal, poultry and human health.

Keywords:

• Animal feedstuffs
• poultry feed mixtures
• Fusarium verticillioides
• fumonisin
• ITS and FUM 1 primers

Acknowledgements

We thank the University Grant Commission (UGC), Govt. of India, for providing grants through the major research project (No.F.3-15/2004 (SR) 12.01.2004) to Dr. G. R. Janardhana, Principal Investigator.