DefinePK

Abstract

<jats:p>A total of 65 maize grain samples (Zea Mays L.) collected from cold and hot climatic
zones of Pakistan lead to isolation of 10 Fusarium supposing deep freezing method. Occurrence
of fusarium spp. was high (75%) in cold climatic zones as compared to hot zones (25%).
Fumonisins were recorded in both climatic zones, though their incidence was higher in hot
climatic zone (range 4,379-9,990 µg/kg). Incidence of A and B trichothecenes was higher in cool
climatic zone. Zearalenone (ZON) with mean level 500 µg/kg was positive in only 10% samples
of hot climatic zone. Furthermore, co-contamination of fusariotoxins was also observed for
fumonisins with ZON, A and B trichothecenes. Among 33 recovered isolates, F. proliferatum, F.
tricinctum, F. subglutinans, F. poae, F. nivale and F. acuminatum were found toxigenic.</jats:p>