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Create a DNA sequence database of the majority of the major toxigenic group of fusaria based on a portion of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gone. Test for fumonisin production in unstudied species of Fusarium that occur on food and agricultural products but are related to fumonisin producers, and confirm reports of fumonisin production in unrelated species. Identify deoxynivalenol and zearalenone production in Fusarium species that may also produce T-2 toxin and/or diacetoxyscirpenol. Identify T-2 and /or diacetoxyscirpenol production in unstudied species related to known producers. Produce a database of Fusarium DNA sequence and mycotoxin information and put it on the internet.
PCR amplified DNA segments of the target gene will be sequenced and resulting data will be compiled and analyzed using standard methods of phylogenetics. The phylogenetic analysis is expected to reveal new and previously known lineages within Fusarium. A subset of isolates will be chosen based on the phylogentic work for mycotoxin analysis. Fusarium isolates will be cultured under conditions that induce mycotoxin production and the extracts subjected to chromatographic (TLC, HPLC) or mass spectrometric analysis for identification of the mycotoxins fumonisin B1, deoxynivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 toxin and zearalenone. DNA sequence information and results of mycotoxin analyses will be compiled and put into a relational database that will be made accessible for all on the world wide web.
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Members of fungal genus Fusarium are found worldwide and are common food-borne contaminants. Concern about these fungi arises due to their capacity to produce a wide array of toxin metabolites known as mycotoxins. These toxin compounds occur in a large number of food products, most notably those made from grains presenting a treat to human and animal health. For example, the trichothecence mycotoxins can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hemorrhaging. Historically, several different systems for classifying species of fusarium have been used. Unfortunately this had led to uncertainty in some areas of the genus as to which species produce which toxins. The goal of our project is to resolve these uncertainties by combining DNA-based studies of Fusarium taxonomy with mycotoxin analyses.