First Report of Fusarium andiyazi Presence in Portuguese Maize Kernels

Abstract

Maize is one of the most important staple crops worldwide. However, it is also very susceptible to fungal infections. Some Fusarium species are responsible for causing diseases in maize and producing mycotoxins, contributing for considerable reduction of yield, quality, and profit. In Portugal and other Mediterranean countries with similar climatic conditions, F. verticillioides and F. subglutinans are the most frequent species infecting maize. F. proliferatum, F. graminearum, and F. oxysporum are only occasionally found. However, the incidence of diseases and the occurrence and levels of fumonisins have increased, which indicate that either the exogenous conditions changed favouring the production of mycotoxins, or other mycotoxigenic species of Fusarium are present. Therefore, Fusarium species occurrence in field should be monitored. After a survey of Fusarium spp. in Ribatejo county, for the first time we report F. andiyazi in Portuguese maize crop. This species is pathogenic for maize under similar climatic conditions, and mycotoxigenic, which means a double concern to the farmers if its presence on maize increases. This report highlights the importance of surveying and monitoring local fungal diversity on maize to enable stakeholders of the maize-chain production to respond to threats. Further studies to prevent Fusarium spreading in maize need to be conducted.