FUSARIUM VERTICILLIOIDES: MANAGING THE ENDOPHYTIC ASSOCIATION WITH MAIZE FOR REDUCED FUMONISINS ACCUMULATION

Fusarium verticillioides is a very important genus from the aspects of plant disease, cereal production, and food safety. A major concern of this species is its mycotoxins, which are harmful to humans and animals ingesting Fusarium-contaminated food or feed products. The fungus exists as a symptomless intercellular endophyte in both field and sweet maize, but its role during the symptomless state of infection is ambiguous. Most strains produce the fumonisin in large quantities during the preharvest and postharvest periods of maize production, even during the symptomless state. The dual nature of F. verticillioides as both pathogen and a symptomless endophyte indicates a complex relationship with maize. Interactive biotic factors such as plant genetics, along with abiotic factors, may alter the required balanced relationships, resulting in a weakened plant and changing the relationship into a disease, during which mycotoxins are produced. Consequently, the development of appropriate control measures for the virulent state is expected to be difficult. Two biocontrol agents and approaches are also reviewed, along that offering some pre- and postharvest biological control measures designed to reduce maize contamination by F. verticillioides and the fumonisin mycotoxins.