Polyphasic characterization of Epicoccum sorghinum: A tenuazonic acid producer isolated from sorghum grain

Epicoccum sorghinum isolates from sorghum grain grown in Brazil were characterized using a polyphasic approach based on morphological, genetic and physiologic features. A considerable intraspecific variability was observed. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the 53 isolates studied formed four distinct clades, and their morphological features revealed a high variability in culture. The four clades could not be distinguished clearly by morphology or enzyme production patterns. The tenuazonic acid (TeA) production capability of 11 isolates was also determined and revealed a good agreement with the phylogeny results. All of the 11 isolates were revealed as TeA producers, indicating a potential toxicological risk to sorghum crops. This is the first study to provide a detailed morphological description of E. sorghinum isolates from sorghum grains in Brazil and it clearly confirms the wide genetic and phenotypic variability previously reported for this species in other countries.