Toxigenic micromycetes and their mycotoxins associated with transgenic Bt-maize and nontransgenic hybrids of maize
Abstract
In 2002-2004 we have studied the efficacy of Bt-maize to control the European Corn Borer (ECB) and grain infection by toxigenic micromycetes in comparison with biological control by the introduction of Trichogramma wasp and untreated control hybrid in two localities in the Czech Republic (Praha-Ruzyně and Ivanovice na Hané). Injury of plants caused by ECB differed according to locality.
At locality Ivanovice na Hané, higher occurrence of pest and toxigenic micromycetes species was recorded. Bt-maize showed a high level of resistance to ECB, there were no injured plants during our survey.
In grain samples, a total of 15 taxa of the genus Fusarium and 9 taxa of the genus Penicillium were identified. A similar complex of micromycetes was recorded on Bt maize and the non-transgenic hybrids.
But the frequency of Fusarium species was significantly reduced in Bt-maize when compared to the mean of all non-transgenic hybrids. Reduction in frequency in Bt-maize was 35.3% for Fusarium oxysporum, by 86.1