Phylogenetic analysis and growth profiles of Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex strains isolated from Tunisian cereals.

The Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC) is a phylogenetically rich complex. It includes more than 30 cryptic phylogenetic species, making morphological identification problematic. FIESC has previously been detected in Tunisian cereals, but knowledge on the phylogeny and the ecophysiology of their species is lacking. In this work a phylogenetic analysis was performed using partial sequences of the translation elongation factor 1a gene (EF1a) of three FIESC strains isolated from barley and wheat from Tunisia, situated south in the Mediterranean basin, and additional strains from other countries. The results indicated that all Tunisian strains clustered with FIESC 5 group (F. clavum) together with other Spanish FIESC 5 strains also isolated from cereals. Growth rate profiles of the Tunisian strains were also determined on wheat and sorghum based media at a range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C) and water potential values (-0.7, -2.8, -7.0, and -9.8 MPa, corresponding to 0.995, 0.98, 0.95 and 0.93 aw values). Optimal growth was observed at 20-30 °C and between -0.7 and -7.0 MPa on both substrates (wheat and sorghum). The highest growth rate for the three strains was seen at 25 °C combined with -2.8 MPa. The comparison between the growth profiles of Tunisian and Spanish FIESC 5 strains showed similar trends with some interesting differences regarding temperature and water potential factors. Tunisian strains seem to perform better between 15 and 30 °C and, notably, at even lower water potentials included -9.8 Mpa. This might suggest that tolerance to low water potentials might be for Tunisian strains a more important selective clue than to higher temperatures. These results appeared to be consistent with a population well adapted to the present climatic conditions and predicted scenarios for North Africa.

Appropriate Self-Perceived Behaviors in Primary Education Pupils During Sports Games.

Based on the results obtained from primary education students-fifth and sixth graders-the aim of this work is to check the appropriate self-perceived behaviors during and at the end of the game. The study population was made up of 698 students from fifth and sixth grade in the Autonomous Region of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). Data were collected through a questionnaire (scale) on the social skills of primary school students linked to the adequate skills when losing, the adequate skills when winning, and the adequate skills during the game. Study results revealed that analyzed behaviors vary, depending on the moment of the game, being it more frequently during the development of the game than when losing or winning.

Penicillium commune affects textural properties and water distribution of hard and extra-hard cheeses.

We analyzed the effects of growth of Penicillium commune, one of the most frequent fungal species associated with cheese, on the water diffusion and texture of hard and extra-hard cheeses. A total of 36 hard cheese blocks and 36 extra-hard cheese blocks were manufactured, salted at different levels (0.5, 1.25 and 2% w/w), and assigned to different treatments (control and inoculated). Cheese texture was analyzed using a penetration needle probe at 2 and 5 weeks after ripening. Firmness, defined as the maximum force detected in the penetration probe, was higher in both hard and extra-hard inoculated cheese blocks compared with the control. In addition, the presence of fungal growth on cheese rind increased the total work of penetration (a measure of resistance to probe penetration), but only in extra-hard cheeses, suggesting that the moisture of cheese might be affecting the growth capacities and performance of P. commune. The change in textural properties of cheeses was linked to desiccation of the upper 0.5-cm rind layer mediated by P. commune.

Effects of an Educational Glass Recycling Program against Environmental Pollution in Spain.

In this article, we analyzed the effects of an educational glass recycling program on primary schools and their students in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). A sample of 89 schools, with 20,710 elementary students, was selected by simple random sampling. For the statistical analysis, descriptive techniques (frequencies and statistics), parametric (One Way ANOVA test), and non-parametric (Chi-Square test) inferential techniques were used, with a 5% significance level (p < 0.05). The program's results showed that 153,576.3 kg of glass (with a value of 17,064.03 €) were recycled. Significant determinants of glass recycling were: School category (p = 0.043), previous environmental/recycling education (p = 0.046), geographic location of school (p = 0.030), gender (p = 0.007), and academic year (p < 0.05). With the program, students learned the importance of glass recycling, obtained a greater knowledge of and habits related to the same, acquired favorable attitudes towards the environment, and promoted glass recycling in their social circles. We conclude that environmental education about glass recycling has positive effects on glass recycling attitudes and behaviors in elementary school students and may be used as a measure to combat the problem of environmental pollution.

Giant cell arteritis: is the clinical spectrum of the disease changing?

BACKGROUND: Giant cell arteritis is a vasculitis of large and middle-sized arteries that affects patients aged over 50 years. It can show a typical clinical picture consisting of cranial manifestations but sometimes nonspecific symptoms and large-vessel involvement prevail. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential to avoid irreversible damage. DISCUSSION: There has been an increasing knowledge on the occurrence of the disease without the typical cranial symptoms and its close relationship and overlap with polymyalgia rheumatica, and this may contribute to reduce the number of underdiagnosed patients. Although temporal artery biopsy is still the gold-standard and temporal artery ultrasonography is being widely used, newer imaging techniques (FDG-PET/TAC, MRI, CT) can be of valuable help to identify giant cell arteritis, in particular in those cases with a predominance of extracranial large-vessel manifestations. CONCLUSIONS: Giant cell arteritis is a more heterogeneous condition than previously thought. Awareness of all the potential clinical manifestations and judicious use of diagnostic tests may be an aid to avoid delayed detection and consequently ominous complications.

Hábitos y comportamientos relacionados con la salud de los adolescentes en su tiempo de ocio / Habits and behaviours related to the health in adolescents during their leisure time

Este estudio trata de determinar cuáles son las prácticas habituales en relación a la participación en actividades físicas y deportivas junto con el consumo de sustancias nocivas en adolescentes. Se realizó un diseño descriptivo correlacional transversal. Participaron en el estudio 1140 sujetos (edad: 18.75 ± 6.35 años; género: masculino 46.7%, femenino 53.3%), de los cuales 790 eran universitarios y 350 no universitarios en la comunidad de Castilla-La Mancha (España). Se utilizó el Cuestionario de Evaluación de los Hábitos relacionados con la Salud (Gil Madrona, González Villora, Pastor Vicedo, y Fernández Bustos, 2010). El análisis descriptivo reveló que un alto porcentaje no practica actividad física de forma regular. El análisis inferencial marcó valores estadísticamente significativos en la relación entre los hábitos de práctica de actividad física y aquellos relacionados con el consumo de tabaco, alcohol y/o drogas. Se concluye por tanto la necesidad de programas que fomenten la práctica de actividad física

This research attempts to determine which are the common practices related to the participation in sport and physical activities within the consumption of harmful substances in adolescents. A descriptive, correlational and transversal design was performed. A total of 1,140 subjects participated in the study (Mean age: 18.75 ± 6.35 years old; gender: male 46.7%, female 53.3%), of wich 790 were undergraduates and 350 non-undergraduates from the autonomous community of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain). It was used the Evaluation Questionnaire of the Habits related to the Health (Gil-Madrona, González-Víllora, Pastor-Vicedo, & Fernández-Bustos, 2010). Descriptive analysis revealed that a high percentage of adolescents do not practice sport regularly. The differential analysis showed significant statistical values which relates the sport habit with the tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs consumption. It was concluded that the design and development of programmes which foster physical activity are a need

Enhancing laccase production by white-rot fungus Funalia floccosa LPSC 232 in co-culture with Penicillium commune GHAIE86.

To obtain enzymatic preparations with higher laccase activity levels from Funalia floccosa LPSC 232, available for use in several applications, co-cultures with six filamentous microfungi were tested. A laccase non-producing soil fungus, identified as Penicillium commune GHAIE86, showed an outstanding ability to increase laccase activity (3-fold as compared to that for monoculture) when inoculated in 6-day-old F. floccosa cultures. Maximum laccase production with the F. floccosa and P. commune co-culture reached 60 U/mL, or twice that induced by chemical treatments alone. Our study demonstrated that co-culture with soil fungi might be a promising method for improving laccase production in F. floccosa. Although the enhancement of laccase activity was a function of P. commune inoculation time, two laccase isoenzymes produced by F. floccosa remained unchanged when strains were co-cultured. These data are compatible with the potential of F. floccosa in agricultural applications in soil, whose enzyme machinery could be activated by soil fungi such as P. commune.

[Improvement of students' physical condition and health after a physical activity breaks program]. / Mejora de la condición física y la salud en estudiantes tras un programa de descansos activos.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is one of the main pandemics of the 21st century and the 5th risk factor for death in the world. Every year more than 2.8 million people die due to this disease. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of physical activity breaks programs to improve health in elementary school students, reducing their body fat percentage and BMI and increasing their physical condition. METHODS: The physical activity breaks program called Móvete 15 was developed in Curros Enríquez School from Celanova (Galicia-Spain), during 2016-17 school year. This consisted in interrupting the daily school day for 15 minutes to perform physical activity of moderate and vigorous intensity. A pretest-posttest study design was proposed, using descriptive statistical techniques (frequencies and statistics) and inferential techniques (t-Student, ANOVA, Marginal Homogeneity) on anthropometric variables (Fat, BMI) and physical condition (Eurofit test) as health indicators. RESULTS: The programme Móvete 15 achieved significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the participants' health, manifested in the reduction of the average percentage of fat, -1.33% (0.49 kg); and in the increase of physical condition, with improvements in speed-coordination (-1.45 seconds/circuit) and aerobic resistance (+1.46 phases). CONCLUSIONS: Móvete 15 is an appropriate program to improve physical condition and health in elementary school students.

OBJETIVO: La obesidad es una de las principales pandemias del siglo XXI y el 5º factor de riesgo de muerte en el mundo. Cada año mueren más de 2,8 millones de personas a causa de esta enfermedad. Este estudio pretendió demostrar la eficacia de los programas de descansos activos para mejorar la salud en estudiantes de Educación Primaria, reduciendo su porcentaje de grasa e IMC; así como, incrementando su condición física. METODOS: Se implantó el programa de descansos activos Móvete 15 en el Colegio Curros Enríquez de Celanova (Galicia-España), durante el periodo 2016-17. Este consistió en interrumpir la jornada escolar diaria por 15 minutos para realizar actividad física de intensidad media-alta. Se planteó un diseño de estudio pretest-posttest; empleándose técnicas estadísticas descriptivas (frecuencias y estadísticos) e inferenciales (t-Student, ANOVA, Homogeneidad Marginal) sobre variables antropométricas (Grasa, IMC) y de condición física (test Eurofit) como indicadores de salud. RESULTADOS: Móvete 15 logró mejoras significativas (p < 0,05) en la salud de los participantes, manifestadas en la reducción del porcentaje medio de grasa, -1,33% (0,49 kg); y en el aumento de la condición física, con mejoras en velocidad-coordinación (-1,45 segundos/circuito) y resistencia aeróbica (+1,46 fases). CONCLUSIONES: Móvete 15 resulta un programa adecuado para mejorar la condición física y la salud en estudiantes de Educación Primaria.

Mejora de la condición física y la salud en estudiantes tras un programa de descansos activos / Improvement of students' physical condition and health after a physical activity breaks program

Fundamentos: La obesidad es una de las principales pandemias del siglo XXI y el 5º factor de riesgo de muerte en el mundo. Cada año mueren más de 2,8 millones de personas a causa de esta enfermedad. Este estudio pretendió demostrar la eficacia de los programas de descansos activos para mejorar la salud en estudiantes de Educación Primaria, reduciendo su porcentaje de grasa e IMC; así como, incrementando su condición física. Métodos: Se implantó el programa de descansos activos Móvete 15 en el Colegio Curros Enríquez de Celanova (Galicia-España), durante el periodo 2016-17. Este consistió en interrumpir la jornada escolar diaria por 15 minutos para realizar actividad física de intensidad media-alta. Se planteó un diseño de estudio pretest-posttest; empleándose técnicas estadísticas descriptivas (frecuencias y estadísticos) e inferenciales (t-Student, ANOVA, Homogeneidad Marginal) sobre variables antropométricas (Grasa, IMC) y de condición física (test Eurofit) como indicadores de salud. Resultados: Móvete 15 logró mejoras significativas (p < 0,05) en la salud de los participantes, manifestadas en la reducción del porcentaje medio de grasa, -1,33% (0,49 kg); y en el aumento de la condición física, con mejoras en velocidad-coordinación (-1,45 segundos/circuito) y resistencia aeróbica (+1,46 fases)

Background: Obesity is one of the main pandemics of the 21st century and the 5th risk factor for death in the world. Every year more than 2.8 million people die due to this disease. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of physical activity breaks programs to improve health in elementary school students, reducing their body fat percentage and BMI and increasing their physical condition. Methods: The physical activity breaks program called Móvete 15 was developed in Curros Enríquez School from Celanova (Galicia-Spain), during 2016-17 school year. This consisted in interrupting the daily school day for 15 minutes to perform physical activity of moderate and vigorous intensity. A pretest-posttest study design was proposed, using descriptive statistical techniques (frequencies and statistics) and inferential techniques (t-Student, ANOVA, Marginal Homogeneity) on anthropometric variables (Fat, BMI) and physical condition (Eurofit test) as health indicators. Results: The programme Móvete 15 achieved significant improvements (p < 0.05) in the participants' health, manifested in the reduction of the average percentage of fat, -1.33% (0.49 kg); and in the increase of physical condition, with improvements in speed-coordination (-1.45 seconds/circuit) and aerobic resistance (+1.46 phases)

Targeting Conserved Genes in Fusarium Species.

Fumonisins are important mycotoxins contaminating foods and feeds which are mainly produced by F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum. Additionally, both are pathogens of maize and other cereals. We describe two highly sensitive, rapid, and species-specific PCR protocols which enable detection and discrimination of these closely related species in cereal flour or grain samples. The specific primer pairs of these assays were based on the intergenic spacer region of the multicopy rDNA unit which highly improves the sensitivity of the PCR assay in comparison with single-copy target regions.

Oral Calcidiol Is More Effective Than Cholecalciferol Supplementation to Reach Adequate 25(OH)D Levels in Patients with Autoimmune Diseases Chronically Treated with Low Doses of Glucocorticoids: A "Real-Life" Study.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the cornerstone of the therapy in many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. However, it is well known that their use is a double edged sword, as their beneficial effects are associated almost universally with unwanted effects, as, for example glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIO). Over the last years, several clinical practice guidelines emphasize the need of preventing bone mass loss and reduce the incidence of fractures associated with GC use. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, as adjunctive therapy, are included in all the practice guidelines. However, no standard vitamin D dose has been established. Several studies with postmenopausal women show that maintaining the levels above 30-33 ng/mL help improve the response to bisphosphonates. It is unknown if the response is the same in GIO, but in the clinical practice the levels are maintained at around the same values. In this study we demonstrate that patients with autoimmune diseases, undergoing glucocorticoid therapy, often present suboptimal 25(OH)D levels. Patients with higher body mass index and those receiving higher doses of glucocorticoids are at increased risk of having lower levels of 25(OH)D. In these patients, calcidiol supplementations are more effective than cholecalciferol to reach adequate 25(OH)D levels.

Growth rate and TRI5 gene expression profiles of Fusarium equiseti strains isolated from Spanish cereals cultivated on wheat and barley media at different environmental conditions.

Fusarium equiseti is a toxigenic species that often contaminates cereal crops from diverse climatic regions such as Northern and Southern Europe. Previous results suggested the existence of two distinct populations within this species with differences in toxin profile which largely corresponded to North and South Europe (Spain). In this work, growth rate profiles of 4 F. equiseti strains isolated from different cereals and distinct Spanish regions were determined on wheat and barley based media at a range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C) and water potential regimens (-0.7, -2.8, -7.0, and -9.8MPa, corresponding to 0.99, 0.98, 0.95 and 0.93 aw values). Growth was observed at all temperatures except at 40°C, and at all the solute potential values except at -9.8MPa when combined with 15°C. Optimal growth was observed at 20-30°C and -0.7/-2.8MPa. The effect of these factors on trichothecene biosynthesis was examined on a F. equiseti strain using a newly developed real time RT-PCR protocol to quantify TRI5 gene expression at 15, 25 and 35°C and -0.7, -2.8, -7.0 and -9.8MPa on wheat and barley based media. Induction of TRI5 expression was detected between 25 and 35°C and -0.7 and -2.8MPa, with maximum values at 35°C and -2.8MPa being higher in barley than in wheat medium. These results appeared to be consistent with a population well adapted to the present climatic conditions and predicted scenarios for Southern Europe and suggested some differences depending on the cereal considered. These are also discussed in relation to other Fusarium species co-occurring in cereals grown in this region and to their significance for prediction and control strategies of toxigenic risk in future scenarios of climate change for this region.

Structural variation and dynamics of the nuclear ribosomal intergenic spacer region in key members of the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex.

The intergenic spacer (IGS) region of the ribosomal DNA was cloned and sequenced in eight species within the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex with anamorphs in the genus Fusarium, a group that includes the most relevant toxigenic species. DNA sequence analyses revealed two categories of repeated elements: long repeats and short repeats of 125 and 8 bp, respectively. Long repeats were present in two copies and were conserved in all the species analyzed, whereas different numbers of short repeat elements were observed, leading to species-specific IGS sequences with different length. In Fusarium subglutinans and Fusarium nygamai, these differences seemed to be the result of duplication and deletion events. Here, we propose a model based on unequal crossing over that can explain these processes. The partial IGS sequence of 22 Fusarium proliferatum isolates was also obtained to study variation at the intraspecific level. The results revealed no differences in terms of number or pattern of repeated elements and detected frequent gene conversion events. These results suggest that the homogenization observed at the intraspecific level might not be achieved primarily by unequal crossing-over events but rather by processes associated with recombination such as gene conversion events.

Phylogenetic analyses and toxigenic profiles of Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium acuminatum isolated from cereals from Southern Europe.

Fusarium equiseti and Fusarium acuminatum are toxigenic species that contaminate cereal crops from diverse climatic regions. They are common in Spanish cereals. The information available on their phylogenetics and toxigenic profiles is, however, insufficient to assist risk evaluation. In this work, phylogenetic analyses were performed using partial sequences of the translation elongation factor gene (EF-1α) of F. equiseti and F. acuminatum strains isolated from barley and wheat from Spain and other countries. The Northern and Southern European F. equiseti strains largely separated into two phylogenetically distinct clusters. This suggests the existence of two distinct populations within this species, explaining its presence in these regions of markedly different climate. Production of type A and B trichothecenes by the Spanish strains, examined in wheat cultures using a multitoxin analytical method, indicated that F. equiseti could produce deoxynivalenol and nivalenol and other trichothecenes, at concentrations that might represent a significant risk of toxin contamination for Southern European cereals. F. acuminatum showed low intraspecific genetic variability and 58% of the strains could produce deoxynivalenol at low level. Neither species was found to produce T-2 or HT-2 toxins. The present results provide important phylogenetic and toxigenic information essential for the accurate prediction of toxigenic risk.

Differential regulation of laccase gene expression in Coriolopsis rigida LPSC No. 232.

Two laccase isoenzyme genes (lcc2 and lcc3) from the white-rot fungus Coriolopsis rigida were cloned, and together with the previously described lcc1, their transcript levels were analysed by Quantitative RT-PCR in order to study their expression patterns under a range of putative inducers (Cu(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(3+), 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone, H(2)O(2,) caffeine, amphotericin B and syringic acid). The highest induction was observed for lcc1 in presence of copper, and thus, a kinetic study was performed to analyze its effect on temporary lcc1 gene expression. Our results showed that upregulation due to copper was linked to growth stage, being highest during the trophophase and decreasing during the idiophase. Amphotericin B increased levels of transcripts of lcc1 and lcc2, syringic acid upregulated lcc1 and lcc3 and 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone induced lcc2 and lcc3. Possible reasons for why laccase genes from C. rigida are differentially regulated at the transcriptional level are discussed.

Biochemical and molecular characterization of Coriolopsis rigida laccases involved in transformation of the solid waste from olive oil production.

Two laccase isoenzymes were purified and characterized from the basidiomycete Coriolopsis rigida during transformation of the water-soluble fraction of "alpeorujo" (WSFA), a solid residue derived from the olive oil production containing high levels of toxic compounds. Zymogram assays of laccases secreted by the fungus growing on WSFA and WSFA supplemented with glucose showed two bands with isoelectric points of 3.3 and 3.4. The kinetic studies of the two purified isoenzymes showed similar affinity on 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), used as phenolic and non-phenolic model substrate, respectively. The molecular mass of both proteins was 66 kDa with 9% N-linked carbohydrate. Physico-chemical properties of the purified laccases from media containing WSFA were similar to those obtained from medium with glucose as the main carbon source. In-vitro studies performed with the purified laccases revealed a 42% phenol reduction of WSFA, as well as changes in the molecular mass distribution. These findings indicate that these laccases are involved in the process of transformation, via polymerization by the oxidation of phenolic compounds present in WSFA. A single laccase gene, containing an open reading frame of 1,488 bp, was obtained in PCR amplifications performed with cDNA extracted from mycelia grown on WSFA. The product of the gene shares 90% identity (95% similarity) with a laccase from Trametes trogii and 89% identity (95% similarity) with a laccase from Coriolopsis gallica. This is the first report on purification and molecular characterization of laccases directly involved in the transformation of olive oil residues.

Effect of solute stress and temperature on growth rate and TRI5 gene expression using real time RT-PCR in Fusarium graminearum from Spanish wheat.

The objective of this work was to study the effect of ecophysiological factors on trichothecene gene expression and growth in Fusarium graminearum. The effect of non-ionic solute water potentials and temperature was examined on in vitro mycelial growth rates and on expression of the TRI5 gene, involved in trichothecene biosynthesis, quantified by real time RT-PCR. This study showed optimal values of 25 degrees C and -2.8MPa (0.982a(w)) for growth. Marginal temperatures such as 15 degrees C and 30-35 degrees C, particularly in combination with water potentials below -2.8MPa, drastically reduced growth. The expression of TRI5 was reasonably constant although some induction was observed between 20 and 30 degrees C, the most favourable temperatures for growth, depending on the water potential imposed, particularly at -7.0MPa. A temporal kinetic experiment at 25 degrees C examined the effect of ionic solute stress on TRI5 gene expression and growth rate. The results indicated independence of growth rate and TRI5 expression, as the fungal biomass increased with time while the gene expression remained constant. This suggested that favourable conditions for growth will result in higher trichothecene production, and that toxin production would always accompany the colonization process at a steady rate while the conditions for growth are permissive. Quantification of key biosynthetic toxin genes by real time RT-PCR was shown to be a valuable tool to gain knowledge of the ecophysiological basis for trichothecene biosynthesis and enable better control strategies to be developed during the life cycle of this important mycotoxigenic pathogen of cereals.

Transformation of the water soluble fraction from "alpeorujo" by Coriolopsis rigida: the role of laccase in the process and its impact on Azospirillum brasiliense survival.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of the white rot basidiomycete Coriolopsis rigida to detoxify the water soluble fraction from "alpeorujo" (WSFA), a solid by-product produced by the olive oil extraction industry and characterized by a high concentration of phenols which limits its use as fertilizer and/or amendment. C. rigida reduced the phenol content in the liquid media supplemented with WSFA at 10 and 20% (v/v) after 15d of incubation. The analysis of WSFA toxicity after fungal treatment showed that C. rigida was responsible for a significant increase in the survival rate of Azospirillum brasiliense, a N(2) fixing soil rhizobacterium which promotes plant growth. Supplementation of culture medium with CuSO(4) (300 microM) resulted in strong laccase induction thus facilitating higher phenol reduction and detoxification of WSFA. In vitro reactions using a crude extracellular preparation from laccase-active C. rigida showed phenol removal as well as detoxification of the WSFA at 20%. These results suggest that C. rigida reduces the phenol content of the WSFA through the effect of laccase on free phenolic compounds consequently decreasing the toxic effect on A. brasiliense, which suggests that the enzyme plays an important role in the process. These findings have implications in the management and revalorization of olive-mill residues treated with laccase-producing fungi and their potential impact on integrative agricultural systems including organic residues and the co-inoculation with microorganisms which can facilitate the growth of plants of agricultural interest.

Genetic variability and Fumonisin production by Fusarium proliferatum.

Fusarium proliferatum is together with Fusarium verticillioides the main source of fumonisins, a health risk mycotoxin, contaminating agro-products. Contrary to F. verticillioides, it colonizes a wide range of host plants besides maize, such as wheat or barley among others, in particular in certain regions (Southern Europe). The phylogenetic study performed in this work using a wide sample of isolates from diverse hosts and origins revealed a high variability, while no host preferences could be sustained. A real time RT-PCR assay was also developed specific for F. proliferatum on the basis on fumonisin biosynthetic gene, FUM1, which allowed discrimination from F. verticillioides. FUM1 gene expression showed a high and significant correlation (0.77) with fumonisin production, representing a valuable tool for specific and sensitive diagnosis of metabolically active fumonisin-producing F. proliferatum isolates and for evaluating the influence on environmental conditions on FUM1 gene regulation. The ability to produce fumonisins was also widely distributed indicating that F. proliferatum can represent a risk for health similarly to F. verticillioides. Moreover, the wide range of plants susceptible to colonization by F. proliferatum suggests that the impact of fumonisin risk in a number of commodities might need a revision.