Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Fumonisin Bi Production and Stability

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Abstract
The occurrence of a few cases of equine leuko-encephalomalacia in France has indicated a potentially widespread, low-level contamination of corn by fumonisins. To develop strategies for prevention, biotic and abiotic factors in fumonisin B1 (FB1) production and stability were investigated. The potential for FB1 production from 2 groups of Fusarium moniliforme strains was tested in corn cultures. The first group consisted of 48 strains that were previously isolated from corn, asparagus, watermelon, and vanilla. The second group consisted of 25 strains that were freshly isolated from corn. Respective frequencies in the first and second groups of strains and in each toxigenic class were as follows: 23 and 0%, 3200 μg/g. The initial rate of FB1 production decreased in the following order of temperature: 20, 25, 15, 30, 10°C. FB1 was not detected at 5, 35, or 40ΰC. Also, no FB1 was detected in confined atmosphere at 25°C during 10 weeks. Significant amounts (>200 μg/g) of FB1 were produced within 12 days, in laboratory conditions, with moisture contents of corn frequently encountered at harvest (≥27%). Thermal decomposition of FB1 in dried corn culture followed a first-order reaction. Half-life times at 150, 125, and 100°C were 10, 38, and 175 min, respectively. Therefore, contamination of foods and feeds by this stable mycotoxin is, theoretically, a permanent threat.

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