Expression Analysis of PKS13, FG08079.1 and PKS10 Genes in Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum

Background: Identification and quantification of mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species are important in controlling fungal diseases. Objectives: Potential of zearalenone, butenolide and fusarin C production was investigated in five Fusarium graminearum and five F. culmorum isolates at molecular level. Materials and Methods: Presence of PKS13, FG08079.1 and PKS10 genes, associated with production of zearalenone, butenolide and fusarin C, respectively, were confirmed by PCR. In addition, expression levels of them together with housekeeping gene (b-tubulin) were detected by real time PCR. Results: PKS13 and FG08079.1 transcripts were determined in all isolates, while PKS10 specific primers failed to amplify any product, indicative of no expression. DDCT of PKS13 was ranged between 1.79E-03-3.97E-03 and for FG08079.1 was between 0.25E-03 and 6.02E-03. The highest PKS13 expressions were 3.86E-03 in F. graminearum F9 and 3.97E-03 in F. culmorum F16. Maximum FG08079.1 expressions were calculated as 6.02E-03 and 3.81E-03 in F. graminearum 2F and F. culmorum F2, respectively. Conclusions: We revealed that ten Fusarium isolates produced zearalenone and butenolide under culture conditions. However, fusarin C was not generated by them in these conditions.