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POSTERS: Epidemiology II

P-228 - Fusarium species are the main pathogens associated with ear rot in corn producing areas in western and southern Minas Gerais – Brazil

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3
Abstract Text: Maize (Zea mays) is affected by several diseases, particularly ear rots, which reduce yield and grain quality. Ear rots are primarily caused by Fusarium species. Minas Gerais is a key producer of maize during the summer harvest. This study estimated the incidence of ear rots and identified predominant pathogens in southern and western Minas Gerais. Maize fields were surveyed in 2021/22 and 2022/23. In 2021/22, 141 symptomatic ears and 14 stalks were collected from 155 plants across 33 fields. Fusarium isolates were assigned to trichothecene groups using multiplex PCR. Positive isolates for the Fg16 primer were subjected to Tri3 and Tri12; negative isolates were subjected to EF1α (Fusarium spp.) and ITS (Stenocarpella spp.), and PCR products were sequenced. Of 122 isolates, 2.5% produced 15-ADON, while 8.3% produced NIV. Prevalence varied across regions. In the southeast (393–683 m a.s.l.) and west (656–1011 m), Fusarium spp. were more prevalent ( >89%) than Stenocarpella spp. (< 11%). In the south (1026–1082 m), only Fusarium spp. were identified: F. graminearum (42.9%) and F. verticillioides (57.1%). These results help understand pathogen distribution in Minas Gerais, thus, help to develop management tools to reduce disease risks in maize.



Funding: FAPEMIG APQ-00027-21.