Distribution of fungi and fumonisins and FUM genes expression in transgenic corn grains from sowing to harvest.

Author(s)

Gabriela Martins Reis

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas (ICB/SDI)
• Defense date: 2014-09-04

Examining board members

Benedito Correa; Sarah Santos Gonçalves; Kelly Ishida; Myrna Sabino; Evelise Oliveira Telles

• Advisor: Benedito Correa

Abstract

This study evaluated the FUM gene expression in corn grains from sowing to harvest as evidence of Fusarium verticillioides contamination and fumonisins production. All samples (100%) were contaminated with fungi. The isolation frequencies of Fusarium genre ranged from 3,85 % to 100 % and 97 % were F. verticillioides. FB1 was detected in 100% of the samples and FB2 in 18,41 %. The levels of FB1 ranged from 0,02 mg/g to 5,12 mg/g, while FB2 ranged from undetectable levels to 1,74 mg/g. All FUM genes were amplified in 33,8 % of the samples, with average ranging from 3.88 to 7,65, when compared to the calibrator sample. Positive correlation among the F. verticillioides isolation percentage, FB1 e FB2 production and the abiotic factors was not detected (p>0,05), positive correlation was also not detected among the FUM gene cluster relative expressions, F. verticillioides isolation percentage and FB1 and FB2 production (p>0,05). However, a positive correlation was detected between the probability of FUM genes expression and the kernel maturity (p<0,05). (AU)