Fusarium species: Mycotoxin production, and plant and murine pathogenicity

Abstract

Fusarium species are common fi lamentous fungi, and are distributed worldwide in crop fi elds. Some of the species are known to produce mycotoxins such as trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins, which are responsible for mycotoxicoses in humans and animals. Since 1980 , I have been studying the chemical characteristics of selected Fusarium species, along with plant and murine pathogenicity caused by Fusarium crookwellense and Fusarium solani , respectively. In this review, I outline my experimental Fusarium studies, including some experiences during those studies.