ABSTRACT
Fusarium moniliforme (FM) incidence and fumonisins (FUM) content were determined in white kernel samples of maize hybrids, harvested in farms of Guárico and Portuguesa states, Venezuela. FM incidence was estimated in subsamples placed on a malt-salt-agar medium. Values in the range of 0-15(per cent) were considered low, from 15-30(per cent) intermediate, and more than 30(per cent) high. FUM content was quantified through specific immunoassay (Fumonitest, VICAM Sci.Tech.,USA) and values above 1 ppm were considered high. The hybrids were compared using a completely randomized desing and results were subjected to analysis of variance and mean comparisons. the correlation between FUM content and FM incidence was also estimated. FM and FUM were detected in all of the 89 samples. Mean incidence of FM among hybrids ranged from 26.0 to 72.0( per cent) in Portuguesa state (PS) and from 28.7 to 55.7 in Guárico state (GS). Significant differences among hybrids were determined in farms of E1 Playón and Turén, PS, and E1 Sombrero and E1 Socorro, GS. The incidence of FM was high in all hybrids. FUM contents ranged from 0.80 to 10.00 ppm in PS, and from 1.50 to 13.00 ppm in GS. Significant differences among hybrids were found in E1 Playón, PS, and in both locations of GS. Only in Ospino, PS, the content of FUM was correlated with FM incidence. This indicates the natural occurence of FM strains with different toxigenic capabilities. The results show that Guárico and Portuguesa states are hazardous regions regarding FM and FUM in maize kernel.