THE INCIDENCE OF FUSARIUM-MONILIFORME ON MAIZE FROM CENTRAL-AMERICA, AFRICA AND ASIA DURING 1992-1995

Samples of maize seed were obtained from countries in Central America, Africa and Asia and assessed for fungal infection. Fusarium spp. were the largest single group of fungi present, and from these Fusarium mo niliforme was the species most frequently isolated. Other fungi, inclu ding Stenocarpella (Diplodia) maydis, S. macrospora and Acremonium str ictum, were also present in significant numbers. Isolates of F. monili forme were characterized for mating populations, using RAPDs, and a nu mber of isolates, taken at random from those assigned to specific mati ng groups, were also confirmed by crossing. Isolates were also charact erized for fusaric acid production and significant differences in fusa ric acid production were detected between isolates from different coun tries and regions within countries. A detailed analysis of isolates fr om one country, Kenya, was undertaken. The importance of the pathogens is discussed in relation to human, animal and seed health and quarant ine regulations, and plant breeding objectives.