The kinetics of fumonisin B1 (FB1) biosynthesis have been examined in ears of four botanical varieties Zea mays var. indentata, Zea mays var. indurata, Zea mays var. saccharata and Zea mays var. everta inoculated with F. verticillioides isolates at silking stage. The level of mycotoxin accumulated in kernels was correlated with sample harvest time (r = 0.73) and ergosterol content (r = 0.70). FB1 biosynthesis was influenced by amylose, starch and moisture contents, which undergo dynamic changes during grain formation. A comparative analysis of ear infection rates and efficiency of FB1 biosynthesis showed that these are separate characters and their expression could be independent.
Acknowledgements
Part of the study was supported by PMSHE Project Number NN 3103769 33.