Ecology of Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species on Cereal Seeds

Abstract

The occurrence and development of toxigenic Fusarium species on cereal and other seeds is examined in an ecological context. Current knowledge is reviewed of factors influencing fungal growth and mycotoxin development in field and storage environments by F. sporotrichioides, F. poae, F. semitectum, F. equiseti, F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. crookwellense, F. moniliforme, F. subglutinans, and F. oxysporum. Most ecological studies have been concerned with F. graminearum and production of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone on cereals; much more ecological information is needed on the growth and mycotoxin production by other toxigenic Fusarium species.