PRODUCTION OF ALTERNARIOL AND ALTERNARIOL MONO-METHYL ETHER BY ISOLATES OF ALTERNARIA SPP FROM ARGENTINEAN MAIZE

Alternaria cultures (87 isolates of Alternaria alternata, four of A. t enuissima, two of A. radicina, and three of Alternaria state of Pleosp ora infectoria respectively, from maize) were screened to determine th eir ability to produce alternariol (AGH) and alternariol mono-methyl e ther (AME) on maize and rice. Only 28 A. alternata stains had toxigeni c capacity,. When maize was used as substrate 21 of 28 isolates produc ed AOH and AME, and 23 of 28 strains produced AOH and 22 of 28 produce d AME when rice was used. The level of AOH produced but the isolates r anged front 0.3 to 2.1 mg/kg on maize and from 0.4 to 9.9 mg/kg on ric e. The AME production by the stains ranged between 0.3 and 3.3 mg/kg b oth on maize and on rice. These results could indicate a low probabili ty of AOH and AME occurring naturally on maize in Argentina.