Mycotoxins Produced by Fusarium spp. in Isogenic Bt vs. non‐Bt Maize Hybrids under European Corn Borer Pressure

Abstract

Stalk and ear rots caused by Fusarium subspecies are often related to mycotoxin accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels. Various mycotoxicoses in livestock and humans are triggered by the consumption of these toxins. The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner) reportedly promotes the infection by Fusarium spp. The objectives of our study were to (i) evaluate the concentration of deoxinivalenol (DON), 3‐acetyl‐deoxynivalenol (3‐A‐DON), 15‐acetyl‐deoxynivalenol (15‐A‐DON), fumonisin (FUM), fusarenon‐X (FUS‐X), moniliformin (MON), and nivalenol (NIV) in kernels; (ii) determine the level of European corn borer (ECB) resistance; and (iii) investigate the association between the concentration of mycotoxins and ECB resistance. The study used early maturing European Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cultivars, their isogenic counterparts, and commercial hybrids. The field experiments were conducted at three locations in Germany. The mycotoxins most prevalent were DON, FUM, and MON. Plots infested by and protected from ECB differed significantly for DON and FUM concentrations. In addition, significant differences were found for concentrations of FUM between isogenic Bt and non‐Bt hybrids. The two Bt events—Bt176 and Mon810—were also significantly different for FUM concentrations. Not all mycotoxins were related to ECB damage. Insect management and, therefore, the use of Bt cultivars may be a short‐term solution to minimize toxins in kernels.

Harmfulness of Ostrinia Nublialis Hbn. on some Non-bt Versus Genetically Modified Bt Maize (Zea Mays L.) Cultivars in Poland in 2006-2007

“…For five locations, the significant differences between cob damage were equal to 17.7% for GM versus non-Bt cultivars (Table 6). It was well established that maize cobs injured by ECB are always infected by pathogenic fungi, contaminating kernels with mycotoxins (Papst et al 2005).…”

Resistance of Maize Hybrids to Fusarium graminearum, F. culmorum, and F. verticillioides Ear Rots with Toothpick and Silk Channel Inoculation, as Well as Their Toxin Production

“…Reid et al [23] found only a few genotypes that were good for both resistance types. Despite the positive opinion on the role of silk in the infection process, spraying the silks (GER) was not successful [56]. The silk channel infection achieved better results, but exhibited a lower infection severity compared with the kernel resistance test.…”

Development of a Predictive Model of the Flight Dynamics of the European Corn Borer, Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, 1796 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), in the Vojvodina Region, Serbia—Implications for Integrated Pest Management

“…Methods that have been suggested for the control of ECB population and damage include the planting of genetically engineered corn hybrids, tolerant hybrids [18], crop techniques such as shredding and ploughing, and chemical treatment by means of selfpowered spraying machines applying organophosphates and pyrethroids [19][20][21]. In SEE conventional corn production, chemical methods represent the main strategy for controlling ECB damage.…”