A non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain prevents the spreading of Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisins in maize

摘要

We evaluated Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin contamination in maize samples after application of a nonaflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strain in the field. The sampling was performed 150 days after planting. The results showed a reduction in F. verticillioides frequency, as well as in fumonisin levels when samples were obtained from field areas treated with non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strain. These results suggested a competition for substrate or space between fungi reducing the frequency of F. verticillioides and, consequently, fumonisin production.