Sexual Reproduction in Aspergillus flavus Sclerotia Naturally Produced in Corn

• DOI: 10.1094/phyto-05-13-0129-r
• Publication Date: 2013-07-24T19:27:33Z
• Authors: Bruce W. Horn; Ronald B. Sorensen; Marshall C. Lamb; Victor S. Sobolev; Rodrigo A. Olarte; Carolyn J. Worthi...; Ignazio Carbone
• Keywords: Ascocarp; Heterothallic; Sexual reproduction

Aspergillus flavus is the major producer of carcinogenic aflatoxins worldwide in crops. Populations A. are characterized by high genetic variation and source this likely sexual reproduction. The fungus heterothallic laboratory crosses produce ascospore-bearing ascocarps embedded within sclerotia. However, capacity for reproduction sclerotia naturally formed crops has not been examined. Corn was grown 3 years under different levels drought stress at Shellman, GA, were recovered from 146 ears (0.6% ears). Sclerotia L strain dominant 2010 2011 S 2012. incidence corn increased with decreasing water availability. Ascocarps detected harvest but incubation on surface nonsterile soil resulted formation viable ascospores strains homothallic alliaceus. Ascospores produced section Flavi species 6.1% 6,022 (18 84 ears) 2010, 0.1% 2,846 (3 36 2011, 0.5% 3,106 (5 26 For to occur field conditions, may require an additional period following dispersal crop harvest.