MYCOTOXIN PRODUCTION BY FUSARIUM-MONILIFORME AND FUSARIUM-PROLIFERATUM FROM ONTARIO AND OCCURRENCE OF FUMONISIN IN THE 1993 CORN CROP

Strains of Fusarium moniliforme and Fusarium proliferatum were collect ed in a survey of corn disease in Ontario. These were tested for the p roduction of fumonisins (B-1, B-2) and fusarins (A,C,F) and, additiona lly, for moniliformin in the case of the latter species. Almost all st rains tested were capable of producing fumonisins and fusarins and mos t strains of F. proliferatum could also produce moniliformin. A survey of fumonisin in the 1993 Ontario corn crop was undertaken. Fumonisins were detected in 9 of 98 samples at concentrations ranging from 0.4 t o 2.5 mu g/g fumonisin B-1 plus B-2. All Of the locations where fumoni sins were found experienced temperatures slightly above normal and dro ught during ear development. This is the first report of fumonisins in corn from Ontario and of the production of fusarins and fumonisins fr om strains of F. moniliforme and F. proliferatum from Ontario.