Fusaric acid and pathogenic interactions of corn and non-corn isolates of Fusarium moniliforme, a nonobligate pathogen of corn.
Fusarium moniliform is a nonobligate parasite of corn, which exists as a complex of closely related fungi from different mating population or biological species. Strains of this fungus isolated from corn, have been determined to belong to mating populations A, although other populations have been isolated from corn. The ultrastructural association of the fungus with corn during growth, and the effects of the host on suppression of disease suppression are reviewed. This fungus enters a relationship with corn cultivars that is not always pathogenic. Pathogenesis is delayed, if it ever occurs. F. moniliforme can exist entirely as an endophyte, systemically colonizing kernels, remaining there until germination upon which the fungus infects the emerging seedlings. The symptomless association persists during the growth cycle of corn, and the resulting endophytic hyphae may be the source of mycotoxin production. The host's ability to suppress the fungus appears to be related to one class of compounds, the cyclic hydroxamic acids and their decomposition products, which can be catabolized by the fungi of mating population A but not C.
Bacon
C W
CW
Toxicology and Mycotoxin Research Unit, Russell Research Center, USDA, ARS, Athens, Georgia 30604-5677, USA.
Hinton
D M
DM
D005669:Fusaric Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D005670:Fusarium / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000378:metabolism; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009183:Mycotoxins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D010935:Plant Diseases; D003313:Zea mays / Q000187:drug effects / Q000382:microbiology*
D009183:Mycotoxins; D005669:Fusaric Acid