In vitro inhibitory effect of the bacterium Serratia marcescens on Fusarium proliferatum growth and fumonisins production

摘要

Fumonisins are a family of hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic mycotoxins produced mainly by Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum. F. proliferatum is an important pathogen colonizing an extraordinarily broad range of host plants worldwide and causing serious economic losses in agriculture, which has drawn our research attention. In order to manage F. proliferatum and its secondary metabolites in crop products and animal feed, the antifungal bacterium Serratia marcescens SerEW01 was isolated from the cuticle of earthworms. The strain strongly inhibited the germination of F. proliferatum conidia and mycelial growth, and suppressed fumonisins accumulation. S. marcescens SerEW01 has the capacity to synthesize chitinases, which degrade the cell walls of fungal mycelia. This research will enrich the resources of antifungal microorganisms and also provide a basis for the biological control of Fusarium proliferatum and fumonisins contamination management to enhance both the yield and quality of crop products and to ensure food and feed safety.