Mycotoxin production by Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum from Ontario and occurrence of fumonisin in the 1993 corn crop

Strains of Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum were collected in a survey of corn disease in Ontario. These were tested for the production of fumonisins (B-1, B-2) and fusarins (A,C,F) and, additionally, for moniliformin in the case of the latter species. Almost all strains tested were capable of producing fumonisins and fusarins and most strains of F. proliferatum could also produce moniliformin. A survey of fumonisin in the 1993 Ontario corn crop was undertaken. Fumonisins were detected in 9 of 98 samples at concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 2.5 mu g/g fumonisin B-1 plus B-2. All Of the locations where fumonisins were found experienced temperatures slightly above normal and drought during ear development. This is the first report of fumonisins in corn from Ontario and of the production of fusarins and fumonisins from strains of F. moniliforme and F. proliferatum from Ontario.