A Genetic Approach to Fumonisin Biosynthesis in Fusarium proliferatum

none[Synopsis] Fumonisins are structurally related mycotoxins produced by a number of morphologically related Fusarium species and some of them, especially fumonisin B1, are known to cause serious consequences in animal and human health when infested foods or feeds were eaten. In view of high contamination of food crops by fumonisin producing Fusarium species, measures to reduce mycotoxin production have been sought for lowering the risks of toxin intake. In this study, we aimed at characterizing fumonisin biosynthetic process by isolating toxin-deficient mutants among REMIinduced transformants. Two mutants were finally selected as candidates for analyzing biosynthesis process of the toxin. They produced negligible amounts of fumonisin B1 together with an unknown compound which may be related closely to the biosynthetic pathway. These mutants could be used as a competitor in field infection or in storage infestation