Global Occurrence, Impact, and Mitigation Strategies of Fusarium Species and Their Mycotoxins in Natural Grasslands and Cultivated Forage Grasses

Abstract

Fusarium species are increasingly recognised as important components of grass-based forage systems due to their ecological versatility, dual lifestyles, and ability to produce mycotoxins harmful to livestock. Although historically underexplored in pastures, growing evidence reveals their presence in both cultivated forage grasses and natural grasslands, raising concerns about forage quality, pasture establishment and persistence, feed safety, and the role of these systems as reservoirs of pathogenic and/or toxigenic fungi. This review synthesises global knowledge on the occurrence, ecological functions, and toxigenic potential of Fusarium species in these systems. It begins with a conceptual overview of key traits, including taxonomy, pathogenicity, endophytism, inoculum sources, and mycotoxin production, which are essential to understanding their behaviour in diverse environments. We then compile and compare global reports of Fusarium detection in cultivated forage grasses and natural grasslands, highlighting species diversity, distribution patterns, and host associations. Based on this evidence, we discuss available management strategies and, where specific tools are lacking, propose context-adapted approaches informed by knowledge from more extensively studied cropping systems. Finally, we identify critical knowledge gaps and propose future research directions to support early detection, risk assessment, and sustainable management. By integrating biological, ecological, and applied perspectives, this review aims to enhance the sustainability of forage production and safeguard both animal and human health.