Effect of Naturally Occurring Compounds on Fumonisin Production and fum Gene Expression in Fusarium verticillioides

Fusarium verticillioides, one of the most common pathogens in maize, is responsible for yield losses and reduced kernel quality due to contamination by fumonisins (FBs). Two F. verticillioides isolates that differed their ability produce FBs were treated with a selection eight natural phenolic compounds aim identifying those able decrease toxin production at concentrations had limited effect on fungal growth. Among tested compounds, ellagic acid isoeugenol, which turned out be effective molecules against growth, assayed lower concentrations, while first retained its inhibit vitro, latter improved both growth FB accumulation. The accumulation was also maize kernels highlight importance appropriate dosages order avoid conditions are promote mycotoxin biosynthesis. An expression analysis genes involved allowed more detailed insights into mechanisms underlying inhibition compounds. fum gene generally down-regulated treatments; however, some treatments low-producing strain up-regulated without improving production. This study showed although different reduction, they can modulate biosynthesis transcription level opposite manners depending strain. In conclusion, basis vitro vivo screening, two phenols (ellagic carvacrol) appear promising alternative control occurrence maize.