Production of deoxynivalenol and related compounds in liquid culture by Fusarium graminearum

Abstract

A liquid culture method for the production of deoxynivalenol and related compounds by Fusarium graminearum was developed. Major factors which stimulate the biosynthesis of these compounds include reduced oxygen levels, depletion of carbohydrate in the medium, pH, and possibly a low concentration of an organic nitrogen source. Isolates of F. graminearum were tested for the yields of four trichothecene mycotoxins and zearalenone in this system. The time course of acetyl deoxynivalenol, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone in the fermentation was measured over a 21-day period against pH, glucose concentration, protein, fungal biomass, and ergosterol. A new ester of deoxynivalenol, 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol, is reported from North American isolates of F. graminearum.