Genetic markers for the analysis of variability and for production of specific diagnostic sequences in fumonisin-producing strains of Fusarium verticillioides

Fusarium verticillioides ( Gibberella moniliformis, Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A) is the main source of fumonisins, a group of toxins which contaminates commodities, causing chronic and acute diseases in humans and animals. Fumonisins are produced during colonisation and infection of host plants even when disease symptoms are not recognisable. Early detection and control of F. verticillioides is crucial to prevent fumonisins from entering the food chain. DNA-based strategies have been used to search for markers to develop sensitive, robust and specific diagnostic assays, mainly based on PCR. The different approaches used, based either on DNA markers unrelated to fumonisin production or on information about the genes involved in fumonisin production, are described and discussed. The ability of these methods to discriminate between the two populations occurring within F. verticillioides, fumonisin-producing and fumonisin non-producing strains, is also addressed.