Production of fumonisins B1, B 2 and B 3 byFusarium proliferatum Isolated from rye grains.

Using the seed- plate technique, we have isolated a strain ofF. proliferatum from rye grains that produces 3 fumonisins, fumonisin B1 (FB1), FB2 and FB3 on inoculated rice and corn. Inoculated corn and rice were extracted with an aqueous methanol solution and fumonisin concentrations estimated using high performance liquid chromatography. Production of all 3 fumonisins (FB1, FB2 and FB3) was much higher on rice than corn; ranging from 3816, 1068 and 985 ppm to 1643, 350 and 162 ppm respectively. We conclude that all natural substrates whereF. proliferatum is present as a component of the mycoflora should be monitored for the presence of fumonisins.