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The contamination of maize by Fusarium species able to produce mycotoxins raises great concern worldwide since they can accumulate these toxic metabolites in field crop products. Furthermore, little information exists today on the ability of Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium graminearum, two well know mycotoxigenic species, to translocate from the seeds to the plants up to the kernels. Marketing seeds coated with fungicide molecules is a common practice; however, since there is a growing need for reducing chemicals in agriculture, new eco-friendly strategies are increasingly tested. Technologies based on ionized gases, known as plasmas, have been used for decades, with newer material surfaces, products, and approaches developed continuously. In this research, we tested a plasma-generated bilayer coating for encapsulating prothioconazole at the surface of maize seeds, to protect them from F. graminearum and F. proliferatum infection. A minimum amount of chemical was used, in direct contact with the seeds, with no dispersion in the soil. The ability of F. graminearum and F. proliferatum species to translocate from seeds to seedlings of maize has been clearly proven in our in vitro experiments. As for the use of plasma technology, the combined use of the plasma-generated coating with embedded prothioconazole was the most efficient approach, with a higher reduction of the infection of the maize seminal root system and stems. The debated capability of the two Fusarium species to translocate from seeds to seedlings has been demonstrated. The plasma-generated coating with embedded prothioconazole resulted in a promising sustainable approach for the protection of maize seedlings.
Mario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Chiara Lo Porto; Fabio Palumbo; Pietro Favia; Francesco Fracassi; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. Plasma Technology Increases the Efficacy of Prothioconazole against Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium proliferatum Contamination of Maize (Zea mays) Seedlings. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021, 22, 9301 .
AMA StyleMario Masiello, Stefania Somma, Chiara Lo Porto, Fabio Palumbo, Pietro Favia, Francesco Fracassi, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Antonio Moretti. Plasma Technology Increases the Efficacy of Prothioconazole against Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium proliferatum Contamination of Maize (Zea mays) Seedlings. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021; 22 (17):9301.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Chiara Lo Porto; Fabio Palumbo; Pietro Favia; Francesco Fracassi; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. 2021. "Plasma Technology Increases the Efficacy of Prothioconazole against Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium proliferatum Contamination of Maize (Zea mays) Seedlings." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 17: 9301.
Sugarcane is an important crop in Southern Iran for agri-food, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. Among the pathogens that colonize sugarcane, mycotoxigenic Fusarium species are reason of serious concern for both their pathogenicity on plants and ability to produce harmful mycotoxins to humans and animals. We studied 104 Fusarium strains, selected within a wider Fusarium set isolated from sugarcane in Southern Iran, for molecular identification, phylogeny and mycotoxin analyses. Most of Fusarium strains belonged to Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex (FFSC) and identified mainly as F. proliferatum, at minor extent as F. sacchari, and rarely as F. thapsinum, and F. verticillioides. Moreover, 14 strains identified as FFSC could not be assigned to any known species, although they were phylogenetically closely related to F. andiyazi, likely representing a new phylogenetic species. A subset of FFSC strains were analyzed for in vitro production of fumonisins (FBs), beauvericin (BEA), and enniatins (ENNs). Fusarium proliferatum strains produced FBs at high amount, and, at a lesser extent, BEA, and ENNs; F.sacchari produced only BEA and B ENNs at very low level; Fusarium sp. strains produced only B ENNs. The paper provides new insights on the genetic diversity of Fusarium species and their mycotoxin profile occurring on sugarcane in Iran.
Maryam Tavakol Noorabadi; Mario Masiello; Kourosh Taherkhani; Rasoul Zare; Mohsen Torbati; Miriam Haidukowski; Stefania Somma; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti; Antonia Susca. Phylogeny and mycotoxin profile of Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane in Southern Iran. Microbiological Research 2021, 252, 126855 .
AMA StyleMaryam Tavakol Noorabadi, Mario Masiello, Kourosh Taherkhani, Rasoul Zare, Mohsen Torbati, Miriam Haidukowski, Stefania Somma, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Antonio Moretti, Antonia Susca. Phylogeny and mycotoxin profile of Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane in Southern Iran. Microbiological Research. 2021; 252 ():126855.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaryam Tavakol Noorabadi; Mario Masiello; Kourosh Taherkhani; Rasoul Zare; Mohsen Torbati; Miriam Haidukowski; Stefania Somma; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti; Antonia Susca. 2021. "Phylogeny and mycotoxin profile of Fusarium species isolated from sugarcane in Southern Iran." Microbiological Research 252, no. : 126855.
Fusarium verticillioides is one of the most important fungal pathogens of maize since it causes severe yield losses and produces the mycotoxins fumonisins that represent a major concern for human and animal health. Information about genetic diversity and population structure of fungal pathogens is essential for developing disease management strategies. The aim of this research was to investigate the genetic structure of F. verticillioides isolated from different provinces of Iran through determination of mating type idiomorphs, phylogenetic analyses based on translation elongation factor-1 alpha (EF-1α), RNA Polymerase II Subunit (RPB2), beta-tubulin (tub2) and Calmodulin (cmdA) genes and genetic diversity analyses based on 6 simple-sequence repeats (SSRs). Both mating types were detected in Iranian populations of F. verticillioides, particularly in Qazvin and Khuzestan, with equal frequency, which highlighted that sexual reproduction is favorable under field conditions. However, the linkage disequilibrium indices did not support the hypothesis of random mating in Khuzestan and Fars. Although assessment of nucleotide diversity based on housekeeping genes showed low level of variation among strains, genotype diversity based on SSRs revealed a high level of genetic diversity within Iranian populations. AMOVA analysis highlighted that the genetic variation of F. verticillioides in Iran was mainly distributed within population of a single area (97%), while a small proportion of genetic variation (3%) resided among populations. These patterns of variation are likely explained by the continuous gene flow among populations isolated from different areas. On the other hand, principal coordinate analysis indicated that the distribution of genetic variation among populations could be explained by the geographical distances. Consequently, to reduce pathogen gene flow among regions, the quarantine processes in Iran should be intensified.
Maryam Fallahi; Stefania Somma; Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah; Hossein Saremi; Gaetano Stea; Mario Masiello; Antonio F. Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. Genetic structure of Fusarium verticillioides populations from maize in Iran. Fungal Genetics and Biology 2021, 103613 .
AMA StyleMaryam Fallahi, Stefania Somma, Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah, Hossein Saremi, Gaetano Stea, Mario Masiello, Antonio F. Logrieco, Antonio Moretti. Genetic structure of Fusarium verticillioides populations from maize in Iran. Fungal Genetics and Biology. 2021; ():103613.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaryam Fallahi; Stefania Somma; Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah; Hossein Saremi; Gaetano Stea; Mario Masiello; Antonio F. Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. 2021. "Genetic structure of Fusarium verticillioides populations from maize in Iran." Fungal Genetics and Biology , no. : 103613.
Aspergillus flavus is a common and ubiquitous fungal species able to colonize several agricultural commodities, in both pre- and post-harvest conditions. This species represents a very harmful plant pathogen for its ability to synthesize aflatoxin B1, responsible for human primary hepatocellular carcinoma and classified as a group I (human carcinogenic) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Several approaches have been proposed to control A. flavus development and related aflatoxin production in field and storage conditions. The Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI) fungicide boscalid has been shown to control A. flavus growth and aflatoxin contamination both in vitro and in field experiments. However, this compound is classified as medium-high risk fungicide for triggering fungal resistance and, indeed, resistant strains can occur on crops treated with boscalid. In this paper, we selected laboratory A. flavus strains resistant to boscalid grown on agar medium containing 50 mg/L of boscalid. In order to investigate the molecular mechanism responsible for the resistant phenotype, specific primer pairs were designed to amplify the whole SdhB, SdhC and SdhD genes. By amino acid sequence analysis, two point mutations, Tyrosine replacing Histidine at codon 249 of SdhB (H249Y) and Arginine replacing Glycine at codon 91 of SdhC (G91R), were identified. The effect of SDHI boscalid and isopyrazam on mycelial growth and conidial germination was evaluated. Both resistant genotypes showed high resistance (MIC and EC50 > 1000 mg/L) to boscalid. A positive cross-resistance was found between boscalid and isopyrazam. Specific sub-lethal doses of both fungicides (0.5 mg/L of boscalid and 0.01 mg/L of isopyrazam) interfered with the mechanisms associated to pigmentation of colonies. In particular, fungal colonies appeared depigmented lacking the typical A. flavus green colour shown on un-amended fungicide medium. A strict correlation between lack of pigmentation and increasing aflatoxin production was also observed.
M. Masiello; S. Somma; M. Haidukowski; A.F. Logrieco; A. Moretti. Genetic polymorphisms associated to SDHI fungicides resistance in selected Aspergillus flavus strains and relation with aflatoxin production. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2020, 334, 108799 .
AMA StyleM. Masiello, S. Somma, M. Haidukowski, A.F. Logrieco, A. Moretti. Genetic polymorphisms associated to SDHI fungicides resistance in selected Aspergillus flavus strains and relation with aflatoxin production. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2020; 334 ():108799.
Chicago/Turabian StyleM. Masiello; S. Somma; M. Haidukowski; A.F. Logrieco; A. Moretti. 2020. "Genetic polymorphisms associated to SDHI fungicides resistance in selected Aspergillus flavus strains and relation with aflatoxin production." International Journal of Food Microbiology 334, no. : 108799.
Black point is a fungal disease of wheat, mainly associated with mycotoxigenic Alternaria species. Affected wheat kernels are characterized by dark brown discolouration of the embryo region and reduction of grain quality. Potential risk is the possible accumulation of Alternaria mycotoxins, alternariol (AOH), alternariol-monomethyl ether (AME), tenuazonic acid (TA), and altenuene (ALT), provided by haemato-toxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities. One hundred and twenty durum wheat samples belonging to 30 different genotypes grown in Bologna and Modena areas, in Italy, showing black point symptoms, were analyzed for Alternaria species and their mycotoxin contamination. Alternariol was selected as an indicator of the capability of the Alternaria species to produce mycotoxin in vivo in field conditions. The data showed that Alternaria species occurred in 118 out of 120 wheat kernels samples, with the incidence of infected kernels ranging between 1% and 26%. Moreover, AOH was detected by using a HPLC with a diode array detector (LC-DAD) in 98 out of 120 samples with values ranging between 24 and 262 µg Kg−1. Ninety-two Alternaria representative strains, previously identified morphologically, were identified at species/section level using gene sequencing, and therefore were analyzed for their mycotoxin profiles. Eighty-four strains, phylogenetically grouped in the Alternaria section, produced AOH, AME, and TA with values up to 8064, 14,341, and 3683 µg g−1, respectively, analyzed by using a LC-DAD. On the other hand, eight Alternaria strains, included in Infectoriae Section, showed a very low or no capability to produce mycotoxins.
Mario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Antonia Susca; Veronica Ghionna; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Matteo Franzoni; Stefano Ravaglia; Giuseppe Meca; Antonio Moretti. Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Production by Alternaria Species Occurring on Durum Wheat, Showing Black Point Symptoms. Toxins 2020, 12, 275 .
AMA StyleMario Masiello, Stefania Somma, Antonia Susca, Veronica Ghionna, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Matteo Franzoni, Stefano Ravaglia, Giuseppe Meca, Antonio Moretti. Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Production by Alternaria Species Occurring on Durum Wheat, Showing Black Point Symptoms. Toxins. 2020; 12 (4):275.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Antonia Susca; Veronica Ghionna; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Matteo Franzoni; Stefano Ravaglia; Giuseppe Meca; Antonio Moretti. 2020. "Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Production by Alternaria Species Occurring on Durum Wheat, Showing Black Point Symptoms." Toxins 12, no. 4: 275.
Fusarium species are among the most important fungal pathogens of maize, where they cause severe reduction of yield and accumulation of a wide range of harmful mycotoxins in the kernels. In order to identify the Fusarium species and their mycotoxin profiles associated to maize ear rot and kernel contamination in Iran, a wide sampling was carried out from field in ten major maize-producing provinces in Iran, during 2015 and 2016. From 182 samples of maize kernels, 551 strains were isolated and identified as belonging to Fusarium genus. Among the 234 representative strains identified at species level by translation elongation factor (EF-1α) sequences, the main Fusarium species were F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, together representing 90% of the Iranian Fusarium population, and, to a lesser extent, F. incarnatum equiseti species complex (FIESC), F. thapsinum and F. redolens. Fumonisin (FBs) production by F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum representative strains was analysed, showing that all strains produced FB1. None of F. verticillioides strains produced FB2 nor FB3, while both FB2 and FB3 were produced only by F. proliferatum. Total mean of FBs production by F. verticillioides was higher than F. proliferatum. The occurrence of different Fusarium species on Iranian maize is reason of great concern because of the toxigenic risk associated to these species. Moreover, the diversity of the species identified increases the toxigenic risk associated to Fusarium contaminated maize kernels, because of the high possibility that a multi-toxin contamination can occur with harmful consequences on human and animal health.
Maryam Fallahi; Hossein Saremi; Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah; Stefania Somma; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. Isolation, Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Profile of Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels in Iran. Toxins 2019, 11, 297 .
AMA StyleMaryam Fallahi, Hossein Saremi, Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah, Stefania Somma, Miriam Haidukowski, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Antonio Moretti. Isolation, Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Profile of Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels in Iran. Toxins. 2019; 11 (5):297.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaryam Fallahi; Hossein Saremi; Mohammad Javan-Nikkhah; Stefania Somma; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. 2019. "Isolation, Molecular Identification and Mycotoxin Profile of Fusarium Species Isolated from Maize Kernels in Iran." Toxins 11, no. 5: 297.
The aim of the research work here reported is to illustrate how to incorporate prothioconazole, a molecule with fungicide action, in plasma‐deposited polymeric coating, encapsulating maize seeds. With this approach, high fungicide effect with a small quantity of chemicals and less pollution of soil and water should be achieved. The fungicide composite coating is composed of three layers: a hydrophilic plasma deposited polymeric layer to increase the wettability of the seed surface; a layer of sprayed prothioconazole aqueous solution; and a hydrophobic plasma deposited barrier layer to limit leaching and mimic the natural seed wettability. The application of the composite coating is found not to interfere with the germination of the seeds, while the percentage of maize crowns infected by Fusarium graminearum was successfully reduced from 94% in the control to none in the coated seeds.
Chiara Lo Porto; Fabio Palumbo; Stefania Somma; Mario Masiello; Antonio Moretti; Francesco Fracassi; Pietro Favia. Plasma‐assisted deposition of fungicide containing coatings for encapsulation and protection of maize seeds. Plasma Processes and Polymers 2019, 16, e1900022 .
AMA StyleChiara Lo Porto, Fabio Palumbo, Stefania Somma, Mario Masiello, Antonio Moretti, Francesco Fracassi, Pietro Favia. Plasma‐assisted deposition of fungicide containing coatings for encapsulation and protection of maize seeds. Plasma Processes and Polymers. 2019; 16 (6):e1900022.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChiara Lo Porto; Fabio Palumbo; Stefania Somma; Mario Masiello; Antonio Moretti; Francesco Fracassi; Pietro Favia. 2019. "Plasma‐assisted deposition of fungicide containing coatings for encapsulation and protection of maize seeds." Plasma Processes and Polymers 16, no. 6: e1900022.
A 2-year field experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. langsethiae, or F. poae on durum wheat plants artificially inoculated at different growth stages. The percentage of symptomatic kernels was similar among the three species, but incidence of infected kernels was lower for F. langsethiae. Kernel colonization was higher when plants were inoculated before and during anthesis for F. sporotrichioides and F. poae, but unaffected by timing of inoculation for F. langsethiae. Production of T-2/HT-2 toxins was higher for F. sporotrichioides than for F. langsethiae. Significant accumulations of nivalenol were detected for F. poae. Across all three species, there was a weak correlation (r = 0.16; P = 0.031) between the incidences of symptomatic and infected kernels, but a stronger correlation (r = 0.53; P < 0.001) between infection incidence and the quantity of fungal DNA (species-specific) in kernels. Mycotoxin content was correlated (r > 0.58; P < 0.007) with infection incidence or fungal DNA in kernels, but only for F. sporotrichioides and F. poae.
Leyla Nazari; E. Pattori; Stefania Somma; Valentina Manstretta; C. Waalwijk; A. Moretti; G. Meca; V. Rossi. Infection incidence, kernel colonisation, and mycotoxin accumulation in durum wheat inoculated with Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. langsethiae or F. poae at different growth stages. European Journal of Plant Pathology 2019, 153, 715 -729.
AMA StyleLeyla Nazari, E. Pattori, Stefania Somma, Valentina Manstretta, C. Waalwijk, A. Moretti, G. Meca, V. Rossi. Infection incidence, kernel colonisation, and mycotoxin accumulation in durum wheat inoculated with Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. langsethiae or F. poae at different growth stages. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 2019; 153 (3):715-729.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeyla Nazari; E. Pattori; Stefania Somma; Valentina Manstretta; C. Waalwijk; A. Moretti; G. Meca; V. Rossi. 2019. "Infection incidence, kernel colonisation, and mycotoxin accumulation in durum wheat inoculated with Fusarium sporotrichioides, F. langsethiae or F. poae at different growth stages." European Journal of Plant Pathology 153, no. 3: 715-729.
Black point is one of the most important wheat disease and its incidence is increasing worldwide due to climate change too. Among the fungal genera that can cause black point, Alternaria is one of the predominant genus, often associated with mycotoxin contamination. The correct identification is the baseline for prevention and control of the disease. Taxonomy of the genus Alternaria is not completely clear yet, since its species can be differentiated for few morphological traits and, in some cases, also molecular phylogeny is not very effective in establishing species boundaries. In this study, one-hundred sixty-four strains, isolated from wheat kernels affected by black point sampled worldwide, were analyzed in order to assess their identity. Sequences of elongation factor, β-tubulin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and allergen alt-a1 genes were used to identify the variability of this population and their phylogenetic relationships. Isolates were grouped in two main clades: the Alternaria section, including A. alternata, A. tenuissima and A. arborescens species, and the Infectoriae section, that includes the two species A. infectoria and A. triticina. Comparison of isolates according with their area of isolation did not show a correlation between phylogeny and geographic origin. Indeed, the isolates grouped on the base of only their phylogenetic relationship. Due to the data arisen by our study, we strongly recommend a multilocus sequence approach to define Alternaria species, based on common genes and procedures to be unanimously shared by scientific community dealing with Alternaria genus. Moreover, we suggest that A. alternata, A. tenuissima, A. turkisafria and A. limoniasperae species would be merged in the defined species A. alternata. Finally we recommend to consider a taxonomic re-evaluation of the Infectoriae section that, for the morphology, sexuality, genetic and mycotoxin profile of the species included, could be defined as different fungal genus from Alternaria.
Stefania Somma; Maria Teresa Amatulli; Mario Masiello; Antonio Moretti; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. Alternaria species associated to wheat black point identified through a multilocus sequence approach. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2019, 293, 34 -43.
AMA StyleStefania Somma, Maria Teresa Amatulli, Mario Masiello, Antonio Moretti, Antonio Francesco Logrieco. Alternaria species associated to wheat black point identified through a multilocus sequence approach. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2019; 293 ():34-43.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Somma; Maria Teresa Amatulli; Mario Masiello; Antonio Moretti; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. 2019. "Alternaria species associated to wheat black point identified through a multilocus sequence approach." International Journal of Food Microbiology 293, no. : 34-43.
Aspergillus flavus, the main aflatoxin B1 producing fungal species, Fusarium graminearum, a deoxynivalenol producer, and the fumonisin-producing species F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides are the main toxigenic fungi (TF) that colonize maize. Several strategies are available to control TF and related mycotoxins, such as chemical control. However, there is poor knowledge on the efficacy of fungicides on maize plants since few molecules are registered. The sensitivity of F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides, and A. flavus to eleven fungicides, selected based on their different modes of action, was evaluated in both in vitro assays and, after selection, in the field. In vitro, demethylation inhibitors (DMI) showed excellent performances, followed by thiophanate-methyl and folpet. Among the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI), isopyrazam showed a higher effectiveness against Fusarium species than boscalid, which was ineffective against Fusarium, like the phenyl-pyrrole fludioxonil. Furthermore, both SDHIs and fludioxonil were more active against A. flavus than Fusarium species. In field trials, prothioconazole and thiophanate-methyl were confirmed to be effective to reduce F. graminearum (52% and 48%) and F. proliferatum contamination (44% and 27%). On the other hand, prothioconazole and boscalid could reduce A. flavus contamination at values of 75% and 56%, respectively.
Mario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Veronica Ghionna; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. In Vitro and in Field Response of Different Fungicides against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium Species Causing Ear Rot Disease of Maize. Toxins 2019, 11, 11 .
AMA StyleMario Masiello, Stefania Somma, Veronica Ghionna, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Antonio Moretti. In Vitro and in Field Response of Different Fungicides against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium Species Causing Ear Rot Disease of Maize. Toxins. 2019; 11 (1):11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Veronica Ghionna; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Antonio Moretti. 2019. "In Vitro and in Field Response of Different Fungicides against Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium Species Causing Ear Rot Disease of Maize." Toxins 11, no. 1: 11.
Fusarium poae is one of the Fusarium species commonly detected in wheat kernels affected by Fusarium Head Blight. Fusarium poae produces a wide range of mycotoxins including nivalenol (NIV). The effect of temperature on colony growth and NIV production was investigated in vitro at 5 to 40°C with 5°C intervals. When the data were fit to a Beta equation (R2≥0.97), the optimal temperature was estimated to be 24.7°C for colony growth and 27.5°C for NIV production. The effects of temperature on infection incidence, fungal biomass, and NIV contamination were investigated by inoculating potted durum wheat plants at full anthesis; inoculated heads were kept at 10 to 40°C with 5°C intervals for 3 days and then at ambient temperature until ripening. Temperature significantly affected the incidence of floret infection and fungal biomass (as indicated by DNA amount) in the affected heads but did not affect NIV content in the head tissue. Inoculation of potted plants with F. poae did not reduce yield.
Leyla Nazari; Elisabetta Pattori; Valentina Manstretta; Valeria Terzi; Caterina Morcia; Stefania Somma; Antonio Moretti; Alberto Ritieni; Vittorio Rossi. Effect of temperature on growth, wheat head infection, and nivalenol production by Fusarium poae. Food Microbiology 2018, 76, 83 -90.
AMA StyleLeyla Nazari, Elisabetta Pattori, Valentina Manstretta, Valeria Terzi, Caterina Morcia, Stefania Somma, Antonio Moretti, Alberto Ritieni, Vittorio Rossi. Effect of temperature on growth, wheat head infection, and nivalenol production by Fusarium poae. Food Microbiology. 2018; 76 ():83-90.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeyla Nazari; Elisabetta Pattori; Valentina Manstretta; Valeria Terzi; Caterina Morcia; Stefania Somma; Antonio Moretti; Alberto Ritieni; Vittorio Rossi. 2018. "Effect of temperature on growth, wheat head infection, and nivalenol production by Fusarium poae." Food Microbiology 76, no. : 83-90.
Wheat, the main source of carbohydrates worldwide, can be attacked by a wide number of phytopathogenic fungi, included Alternaria species. Alternaria species commonly occur on wheat worldwide and produce several mycotoxins such as tenuazonic acid (TA), alternariol (AOH), alternariol-monomethyl ether (AME), and altenuene (ALT), provided of haemato-toxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic activities. The contamination by Alternaria species of wheat kernels, collected in Tuscany, Italy, from 2013 to 2016, was evaluated. Alternaria contamination was detected in 93 out of 100 field samples, with values ranging between 1 and 73% (mean of 18%). Selected strains were genetically characterized by multi-locus gene sequencing approach through combined sequences of allergen alt1a, glyceraldeyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and translation elongation factor 1α genes. Two well defined groups were generated; namely sections Alternaria and Infectoriae. Representative strains were analyzed for mycotoxin production. A different mycotoxin profile between the sections was shown. Of the 54 strains analyzed for mycotoxins, all strains included in Section Alternaria produced AOH and AME, 40 strains (99%) produced TA, and 26 strains (63%) produced ALT. On the other hand, only a very low capability to produce both AOH and AME was recorded among the Section Infectoriae strains. These data show that a potential mycotoxin risk related to the consumption of Alternaria contaminated wheat is high.
Francesca A. Ramires; Mario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Alessandra Villani; Antonia Susca; Antonio F. Logrieco; Carlos Luz; Giuseppe Meca; Antonio Moretti. Phylogeny and Mycotoxin Characterization of Alternaria Species Isolated from Wheat Grown in Tuscany, Italy. Toxins 2018, 10, 472 .
AMA StyleFrancesca A. Ramires, Mario Masiello, Stefania Somma, Alessandra Villani, Antonia Susca, Antonio F. Logrieco, Carlos Luz, Giuseppe Meca, Antonio Moretti. Phylogeny and Mycotoxin Characterization of Alternaria Species Isolated from Wheat Grown in Tuscany, Italy. Toxins. 2018; 10 (11):472.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancesca A. Ramires; Mario Masiello; Stefania Somma; Alessandra Villani; Antonia Susca; Antonio F. Logrieco; Carlos Luz; Giuseppe Meca; Antonio Moretti. 2018. "Phylogeny and Mycotoxin Characterization of Alternaria Species Isolated from Wheat Grown in Tuscany, Italy." Toxins 10, no. 11: 472.
Fusarium graminearum is among the main causal agents of Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, of wheat and other cereals, caused by a complex of Fusarium species, worldwide. Besides causing economic losses in terms of crop yield and quality, F. graminearum poses a severe threat to animal and human health. Here, we present the first draft whole-genome sequence of the mycotoxigenic Fusarium graminearum strain ITEM 124, also providing useful information for comparative genomics studies.
Antonio Zapparata; Daniele Da Lio; Stefania Somma; Isabel Vicente Muñoz; Luca Malfatti; Giovanni Vannacci; Antonio Moretti; Riccardo Baroncelli; Sabrina Sarrocco. Genome Sequence of Fusarium graminearum ITEM 124 (ATCC 56091), a Mycotoxigenic Plant Pathogen. Genome Announcements 2017, 5, e01209-17 .
AMA StyleAntonio Zapparata, Daniele Da Lio, Stefania Somma, Isabel Vicente Muñoz, Luca Malfatti, Giovanni Vannacci, Antonio Moretti, Riccardo Baroncelli, Sabrina Sarrocco. Genome Sequence of Fusarium graminearum ITEM 124 (ATCC 56091), a Mycotoxigenic Plant Pathogen. Genome Announcements. 2017; 5 (45):e01209-17.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Zapparata; Daniele Da Lio; Stefania Somma; Isabel Vicente Muñoz; Luca Malfatti; Giovanni Vannacci; Antonio Moretti; Riccardo Baroncelli; Sabrina Sarrocco. 2017. "Genome Sequence of Fusarium graminearum ITEM 124 (ATCC 56091), a Mycotoxigenic Plant Pathogen." Genome Announcements 5, no. 45: e01209-17.
Pink ear rot of maize caused by Fusarium verticillioides, Fusariumproliferatum and Fusariumgraminearum can lead to severe yield losses and contamination of grain with a range of mycotoxins. Maize stalks colonized by Fusarium spp. are the main primary inoculum source for Fusarium incited epidemics in maize or other susceptible crops grown in rotation. The colonization of individual maize stalks originating from fields in The Netherlands, Italy and Nigeria by Fusarium spp. was quantified using specific TaqMan-PCR assays. Highest values were found for F. graminearum and Fusariumavenaceum in Dutch samples, for F. graminearum and FUM producing species (F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum) in Italian samples and FUM producing Fusarium spp. in Nigerian samples. The increase in Fusarium spp. colonization under field conditions during a period of 3–6 months after harvest of the maize crops varied considerably between individual stalks. The fungal and bacterial diversity was analyzed for sub-sets of stalks with high versus low increase of Fusarium colonization. Bacterial taxonomic groups such as Bacillus, Curtobacterium, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, Novosphingobium, Pantoea, Sphingomonas, Rahnella and Staphylococcus and fungal taxonomic groups such as Acremomium sp., Cryptococcus flavescens, Cryptococcus zeae, Leptosphaeria sp. and Microdochium bolleyi were more abundant in the stalks with lower increase in pathogen colonization. Such fungal and bacterial groups associated with ‘suppressive stalks’ may be antagonistic to Fusarium spp. and a source of candidate strains for the selection of new biological control agents.
Jürgen Köhl; Carin Lombaers; Antonio Moretti; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Stefania Somma; Pieter Kastelein. Analysis of microbial taxonomical groups present in maize stalks suppressive to colonization by toxigenic Fusarium spp.: A strategy for the identification of potential antagonists. Biological Control 2014, 83, 20 -28.
AMA StyleJürgen Köhl, Carin Lombaers, Antonio Moretti, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Stefania Somma, Pieter Kastelein. Analysis of microbial taxonomical groups present in maize stalks suppressive to colonization by toxigenic Fusarium spp.: A strategy for the identification of potential antagonists. Biological Control. 2014; 83 ():20-28.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJürgen Köhl; Carin Lombaers; Antonio Moretti; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Stefania Somma; Pieter Kastelein. 2014. "Analysis of microbial taxonomical groups present in maize stalks suppressive to colonization by toxigenic Fusarium spp.: A strategy for the identification of potential antagonists." Biological Control 83, no. : 20-28.
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an important disease of wheat worldwide caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum (syn. Gibberella zeae). This fungus can be highly aggressive and can produce several mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON), a well known harmful metabolite for humans, animals, and plants. The fungus can survive overwinter on wheat residues and on the soil, and can usually attack the wheat plant at their point of flowering, being able to infect the heads and to contaminate the kernels at the maturity. Contaminated kernels can be sometimes used as seeds for the cultivation of the following year. Poor knowledge on the ability of the strains of F. graminearum occurring on wheat seeds to be transmitted to the plant and to contribute to the final DON contamination of kernels is available. Therefore, this study had the goals of evaluating: (a) the capability of F. graminearum causing FHB of wheat to be transmitted from the seeds or soil to the kernels at maturity and the progress of the fungus within the plant at different growth stages; (b) the levels of DON contamination in both plant tissues and kernels. The study has been carried out for two years in a climatic chamber. The F. gramineraum strain selected for the inoculation was followed within the plant by using Vegetative Compatibility technique, and quantified by Real-Time PCR. Chemical analyses of DON were carried out by using immunoaffinity cleanup and HPLC/UV/DAD. The study showed that F. graminearum originated from seeds or soil can grow systemically in the plant tissues, with the exception of kernels and heads. There seems to be a barrier that inhibits the colonization of the heads by the fungus. High levels of DON and F. graminearum were found in crowns, stems, and straw, whereas low levels of DON and no detectable levels of F. graminearum were found in both heads and kernels. Finally, in all parts of the plant (heads, crowns, and stems at milk and vitreous ripening stages, and straw at vitreous ripening), also the accumulation of significant quantities of DON-3-glucoside (DON-3G), a product of DON glycosylation, was detected, with decreasing levels in straw, crown, stems and kernels. The presence of DON and DON-3G in heads and kernels without the occurrence of F. graminearum may be explained by their water solubility that could facilitate their translocation from stem to heads and kernels. The presence of DON-3G at levels 23 times higher than DON in the heads at milk stage without the occurrence of F. graminearum may indicate that an active glycosylation of DON also occurs in the head tissues. Finally, the high levels of DON accumulated in straws are worrisome since they represent additional sources of mycotoxin for livestock.
Antonio Moretti; Giuseppe Panzarini; Stefania Somma; Claudio Campagna; Stefano Ravaglia; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Michele Solfrizzo. Systemic Growth of F. graminearum in Wheat Plants and Related Accumulation of Deoxynivalenol. Toxins 2014, 6, 1308 -1324.
AMA StyleAntonio Moretti, Giuseppe Panzarini, Stefania Somma, Claudio Campagna, Stefano Ravaglia, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Michele Solfrizzo. Systemic Growth of F. graminearum in Wheat Plants and Related Accumulation of Deoxynivalenol. Toxins. 2014; 6 (4):1308-1324.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAntonio Moretti; Giuseppe Panzarini; Stefania Somma; Claudio Campagna; Stefano Ravaglia; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Michele Solfrizzo. 2014. "Systemic Growth of F. graminearum in Wheat Plants and Related Accumulation of Deoxynivalenol." Toxins 6, no. 4: 1308-1324.
The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is a pathogen of durum wheat and other cereals worldwide. The complex consists of at least 15 species that can produce various mycotoxins, including trichothecenes, associated with human and animals toxicoses. In particular, deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and their different acetylated derivatives can be produced by the different chemotypes of the complex. In this study, 90 strains, isolated mainly from wheat in Italy and belonging to the FGSC, were assessed for their phylogeny and their chemotype and trichothecene genotype. Almost all strains of the FGSC belonged to F. graminearum sensu stricto, whereas two strains were F. cortaderiae. On the other hand, all three chemotypes, 3ADON, 15ADON and NIV, occurred; 15ADON was the most common molecular chemotype. The data show that the species composition of the Italian FGSC is homogeneous, whereas wide chemotype variability can occur within F. graminearum sensu stricto.
S. Somma; A. L. Petruzzella; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Giuseppe Meca; O. S. Cacciola; Antonio Moretti. Phylogenetic analyses of Fusarium graminearum strains from cereals in Italy, and characterisation of their molecular and chemical chemotypes. Crop and Pasture Science 2014, 65, 52 -60.
AMA StyleS. Somma, A. L. Petruzzella, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Giuseppe Meca, O. S. Cacciola, Antonio Moretti. Phylogenetic analyses of Fusarium graminearum strains from cereals in Italy, and characterisation of their molecular and chemical chemotypes. Crop and Pasture Science. 2014; 65 (1):52-60.
Chicago/Turabian StyleS. Somma; A. L. Petruzzella; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Giuseppe Meca; O. S. Cacciola; Antonio Moretti. 2014. "Phylogenetic analyses of Fusarium graminearum strains from cereals in Italy, and characterisation of their molecular and chemical chemotypes." Crop and Pasture Science 65, no. 1: 52-60.
Grape berries attacked by Lobesia botrana larvae are more easily infected by Aspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli) ochratoxigenic species. Two-year field trials were carried out in Apulia (Italy) to evaluate a bioinsecticide control strategy against L. botrana and the indirect effect on reducing ochratoxin A (OTA) contamination in vineyards. A commercial Bacillus thuringiensis formulate and an experimental Beauveria bassiana (ITEM-1559) formulate were tested in two vineyards cultivated with the same grape variety, Negroamaro, but with two different training systems (espalier and little-arbor techniques). In both years and training systems the treatments by B. bassiana ITEM-1559 significantly controlled L. botrana larvae attacks with effectiveness similar to B. thuringensis (more than 20%). A significant reduction of OTA concentrations (up to 80% compared to untreated controls) was observed only in the first year in both training systems, when the metereological parameters prior to harvest were more favorable to the insect attack. Results of field trials showed that B. bassiana ITEM-1559 is a valid bioinsecticide against L. botrana and that grape moth biocontrol is a strategy to reduce OTA contamination in vineyard in seasons with heavy natural infestation.
Giuseppe Cozzi; Stefania Somma; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. Ochratoxin A Management in Vineyards by Lobesia botrana Biocontrol. Toxins 2013, 5, 49 -59.
AMA StyleGiuseppe Cozzi, Stefania Somma, Miriam Haidukowski, Antonio Francesco Logrieco. Ochratoxin A Management in Vineyards by Lobesia botrana Biocontrol. Toxins. 2013; 5 (1):49-59.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiuseppe Cozzi; Stefania Somma; Miriam Haidukowski; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. 2013. "Ochratoxin A Management in Vineyards by Lobesia botrana Biocontrol." Toxins 5, no. 1: 49-59.
The Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) is a group of mycotoxigenic fungi that are the primary cause of Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat worldwide. The distribution, frequency of occurrence, and genetic diversity of FGSC species in cereal crops in South America is not well understood compared to some regions of Asia, Europe and North America. Therefore, we examined the frequency and genetic diversity of a collection of 183 FGSC isolates recovered from wheat grown during multiple growing seasons and across a large area of eastern Argentina, a major wheat producing region in South America. Sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor 1−α and β-tubulin genes as well as Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) analyses indicated that all isolates were the FGSC species F. graminearum sensu stricto. AFLP analysis resolved at least 11 subgroups, and all the isolates represented different AFLP haplotypes. AFLP profile and geographic origin were not correlated. Previously obtained trichothecene production profiles of the isolates revealed that the 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype was slightly more frequent than the 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol chemotype among the isolates. These data extend the current understanding of FGSC diversity and provide further evidence that F. graminearum sensu stricto is the predominant cause of FHB in the temperate main wheat-growing area of Argentina. Moreover, two isolates of F. crookwellense and four of F. pseudograminearum were also recovered from wheat samples and sequenced. The results also suggest that, although F. graminearum sensu stricto was the only FGSC species recovered in this study, the high level of genetic diversity within this species should be considered in plant breeding efforts and development of other disease management strategies aimed at reducing FHB.
Cora Lilia Alvarez; Stefania Somma; Robert H. Proctor; Gaetano Stea; Giuseppina Mulè; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Virginia Fernández Pinto; Antonio Moretti. Genetic Diversity in Fusarium graminearum from a Major Wheat-Producing Region of Argentina. Toxins 2011, 3, 1294 -1309.
AMA StyleCora Lilia Alvarez, Stefania Somma, Robert H. Proctor, Gaetano Stea, Giuseppina Mulè, Antonio Francesco Logrieco, Virginia Fernández Pinto, Antonio Moretti. Genetic Diversity in Fusarium graminearum from a Major Wheat-Producing Region of Argentina. Toxins. 2011; 3 (10):1294-1309.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCora Lilia Alvarez; Stefania Somma; Robert H. Proctor; Gaetano Stea; Giuseppina Mulè; Antonio Francesco Logrieco; Virginia Fernández Pinto; Antonio Moretti. 2011. "Genetic Diversity in Fusarium graminearum from a Major Wheat-Producing Region of Argentina." Toxins 3, no. 10: 1294-1309.
The efficacy of agrochemical treatments, based on three different fungicides combined with an insecticide, was tested in southern Italy for two years on three maize hybrids to control Fusarium ear rot of maize and the accumulation in the maize kernels of the carcinogenic mycotoxins fumonisins. Insect damage incidence and severity, disease incidence and severity, identification of Fusarium species and levels of fumonisin contamination in kernels were determined. Field trials showed in both years that natural colonization of maize kernels by the fumonisin producing species Fusarium proliferatum and F. verticillioides (up to 81.5 and 26.5%, respectively) and total fumonisin contamination (up to 68.2 μg g−1) were highly severe. For all hybrids and in both years, the treatment with the insecticide applied alone reduced the insect damage severity consistently and the content of fumonisins in the kernel only in half of the cases, whereas fungicide treatments applied in combination with the insecticide showed a further significant reduction of fumonisin contamination in the three hybrids and in both years.
Filippo De Curtis; Vincenzo De Cicco; Miriam Haidukowski; Michelangelo Pascale; Stefania Somma; Antonio Moretti. Effects of agrochemical treatments on the occurrence of Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination of maize in Southern Italy. Field Crops Research 2011, 123, 161 -169.
AMA StyleFilippo De Curtis, Vincenzo De Cicco, Miriam Haidukowski, Michelangelo Pascale, Stefania Somma, Antonio Moretti. Effects of agrochemical treatments on the occurrence of Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination of maize in Southern Italy. Field Crops Research. 2011; 123 (2):161-169.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFilippo De Curtis; Vincenzo De Cicco; Miriam Haidukowski; Michelangelo Pascale; Stefania Somma; Antonio Moretti. 2011. "Effects of agrochemical treatments on the occurrence of Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination of maize in Southern Italy." Field Crops Research 123, no. 2: 161-169.
Large amounts of tomato fruits and derived products are produced in Argentina and may be contaminated by Alternaria toxins. Limited information is available on the genetic variability, toxigenicity, and pathogenicity of Alternaria strains occurring on tomato. We analyzed 65 Alternaria strains isolated in Argentina from tomato fruits affected by black mould and from tomato puree, using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) technique. AFLP analysis resolved the set of strains in 3 main clusters (DICE similarity values of 58 and 60%) corresponding to A. alternata/tenuissima (44 strains), A. arborescens (15 strains) and to an unknown group (6 strains). Most of the representative strains, belonging to each AFLP cluster, when cultured on rice, produced tenuazonic acid (up to 46,760 mg/kg), alternariol monomethyl ether (AME, up to 1860 mg/kg), and alternariol (up to 70 mg/kg). The toxin profile related to the strains was not related to any AFLP cluster, except for AME which was produced at lower level by A. arborescens. Most of strains were pathogenic on two types of commonly cultivated tomato fruits. These findings provide new information on the variability within the Alternaria species complex associated with tomato disease.
Stefania Somma; Graciela Pose; Alejandro Pardo; Giuseppina Mulè; Virginia Fernandez Pinto; Antonio Moretti; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. AFLP variability, toxin production, and pathogenicity of Alternaria species from Argentinean tomato fruits and puree. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2011, 145, 414 -419.
AMA StyleStefania Somma, Graciela Pose, Alejandro Pardo, Giuseppina Mulè, Virginia Fernandez Pinto, Antonio Moretti, Antonio Francesco Logrieco. AFLP variability, toxin production, and pathogenicity of Alternaria species from Argentinean tomato fruits and puree. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2011; 145 (2-3):414-419.
Chicago/Turabian StyleStefania Somma; Graciela Pose; Alejandro Pardo; Giuseppina Mulè; Virginia Fernandez Pinto; Antonio Moretti; Antonio Francesco Logrieco. 2011. "AFLP variability, toxin production, and pathogenicity of Alternaria species from Argentinean tomato fruits and puree." International Journal of Food Microbiology 145, no. 2-3: 414-419.