Fusarium species, their taxonomy, variability and significance in plant pathology – a review

Abstract

Fusarium Link (1809) is an anamorph genus with worldwide distribution and a remarkable degree of biodiversity. Its species are common in soil and have been found on a very wide range of vascular plants. Some specialized species are parasitic on other fungi and or insects. In the system of fungi the genus Fusarium is classified in the class Hyphomycetes which belongs to the Deuteromycotina. Teleomorphs have been placed in the genera Nectria and Gibberella, order Hypocreales (Ascomycetes). The taxonomy of the genus Fusarium is not settled and the number of species and sections varies. A few recent classification systems of this genus exist. Fusarium spp. have mostly been studied in the context of their ability to cause diseases of many economically important crop plants. Some species produce mycotoxins and other metabolites that can be harmful to humans and livestock. There is a wide variability in pathogenicity, and in many Fusarium spp. various formae speciales (f.sp.) and physiological races are known. In this paper a description of the 14 most important soil and plant pathogenic Fusarium spp. is provided.