Phylogenetic, Carbendazim Sensitivity and Mycotoxin Genotype Analyses of Fusarium graminearum Complex Species Isolated from Wheat Fusarium Head Blight in China

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a worldwide devastating disease of wheat, caused primarily by species in the Fusarium graminearum (Fg) complex. In this study, we obtained 55 Fusarium isolates from wheat with FHB collected from seven provinces along the north of the Yangtze River. One additional phylogenetic species of Fg complex, Fusarium meridionale, was identified for the first time from China in addition to two known ones, Fusarium asiaticum and F. graminearum. In addition, Fusarium acuminatum, distantly related to Fg complex, was for the first time identified in Northern China. Sensitivities of these isolates to carbendazim were examined and appeared to vary both within and between species. Mycotoxin genotype analyses indicated that F. asiaticum isolates were potential 3-AcDON and NIV mycotoxin producers, while all F. graminearum isolates might be 15-AcDON producers. These findings would provide useful information for developing management strategies for the control of FHB in Northern China.