Analysis of fumonisin B1 in Fusarium proliferatum-infected asparagus spears and garlic bulbs from Germany by liquid chromatography -: Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Fusarium proliferatum is one of a group of fungal species that produce fumonisins and is considered to be a pathogen of many economically important plants. The occurrence of fumonisin B-1 (FB1) in F proliferatum-infected asparagus spears from Germany was investigated using a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method with isotopically labeled fumonisin FB1-d(6) as internal standard. FB1 was detected in 9 of the 10 samples in amounts ranging from 36.4 to 4513.7 ng/g (based on dry weight). Furthermore, the capability of producing FB1 by the fungus in garlic bulbs was investigated. Therefore, garlic was cultured in F. proliferatum-contaminated soil, and the bulbs were screened for infection with F. proliferatum and for the occurrence of fumonisins by LC-MS. F proliferatum was detectable in the garlic tissue, and all samples contained FB1 (26.0-94.6 ng/g). This is the first report of the natural occurrence of FB1 in German asparagus spears, and these findings suggest a potential for natural contamination of garlic bulbs with fumonisins.