Fumonisin B 1 Production and Growth of Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum on Maize, Wheat, and Barley Grain

Two isolates each of Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum isolated from maize were compared for growth and fumonisin B 1 production on maize, wheat, and barley extract agars and on irradiated maize, wheat, and barley grain in relation to water availability and temperature. Growth rates of both Fusarium spp. were similar or higher on wheat and barley than on maize extract agar. Regardless of temperature, all isolates produced fumonisin B 1 only on irradiated maize grain, but not on wheat or barley. This might be a reason for the low natural occurrence of fumonisins on those grains.