Fusarium proliferatum is a microscopic fungus found widely in various environments globally. It is a plant pathogen capable of infecting numerous crops, and also poses a threat to human and animal health. Its significance stems from its ability to cause plant diseases and produce harmful substances known as mycotoxins.
Where Fusarium Proliferatum Is Found and What It Affects
It is commonly found in soil, air, decaying plant matter, and water. It infects a broad spectrum of agricultural crops, including staple foods and produce. It is a pathogen in plants like corn (maize), rice, wheat, barley, and various fruits and vegetables.
It causes a range of diseases in these plants, leading to significant agricultural losses. In corn, it can cause root, stalk, and ear rot. It also affects orchids, asparagus, onions, garlic, sugarcane, bananas, and soybeans, causing issues like root rot and reduced biomass. Damage includes tissue rot, wilting, leaf spots, and reduced plant emergence and growth. Spores spread through wind, splashing water, or contact, leading to disease transmission among plants.
Mycotoxin Production and Health Concerns
Mycotoxins are toxic compounds naturally produced by certain types of molds, or fungi. Fusarium proliferatum is a notable producer of several mycotoxins, with fumonisins being among the most significant. The primary fumonisins produced include fumonisin B1 (FB1), B2 (FB2), and B3 (FB3), with FB1 being the most common and extensively studied.
These mycotoxins can contaminate food and animal feed, particularly grains like corn, which is highly susceptible to Fusarium proliferatum infection. When humans or animals consume contaminated products, these mycotoxins can lead to various health problems. For instance, fumonisins have been linked to esophageal cancer in humans. They can also cause liver damage and kidney issues in animals, and in horses, fumonisins are associated with leukoencephalomalacia, a neurological disease. In swine, consumption of fumonisin-contaminated feed can lead to pulmonary edema.
In addition to fumonisins, Fusarium proliferatum can also produce other mycotoxins such as moniliformin and beauvericin. Moniliformin is known to be highly toxic to animals. Beauvericin exhibits toxicity to certain human cells. Beyond mycotoxin ingestion, Fusarium proliferatum can directly cause opportunistic infections in humans, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. Such infections may include disseminated infections, abscesses, and eye infections.
Managing Its Presence
Managing Fusarium proliferatum and its associated mycotoxins involves a combination of agricultural and post-harvest strategies. On the farm, practices such as crop rotation can help reduce the buildup of fungal spores in the soil. Planting resistant crop varieties, where available, can also lower the risk of infection. Proper irrigation techniques help avoid overly wet conditions that favor fungal growth, as moisture and temperatures between 25-31°C support Fusarium proliferation.
Fungicide application can be used in some cases to control fungal development during crop growth. After harvest, proper drying of grains and other produce is important to reduce moisture content, which inhibits fungal growth and mycotoxin production during storage. Storing commodities under controlled conditions, including appropriate temperature, humidity, and ventilation, helps prevent post-harvest contamination. Regular monitoring of mycotoxin levels in food and feed products is also conducted to ensure they meet safety standards and to minimize public health risks.