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Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium
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Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium

A special issue of Journal of Fungi (ISSN 2309-608X). This special issue belongs to the section "Fungi in Agriculture and Biotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2025) | Viewed by 14858

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Maria Laura Ramirez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología (IMICO), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas-Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (CONICET-UNRC), Ruta 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina
Interests: Fusarium; phylogenetic; diversity; endophytes; natural ecosystems; mycotoxins; Fusarium head blight
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Eugenia Cendoya

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Instituto de Investigación en Micología y Micotoxicología, (IMICO), CONICET-UNRC, Ruta 36 Km 601, Río Cuarto 5800, Córdoba, Argentina
Interests: Fusarium; grassland; diversity; fungal endophytes; natural ecosystems; mycotoxins
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Fusarium represents a large cosmopolitan genus comprising more than 70 species capable of producing a wide array of active metabolites. Representatives of this genus can be isolated from most bioclimatic regions and ecosystems on earth. From an ecological perspective, Fusarium includes epiphytes, endophytes, pathogens and saprophytes. As pathogens, Fusarium species cause plant diseases in most economically important crops. Additionally, many Fusarium species produce mycotoxins and contaminate crops, threatening human and animal health. There is no doubt that Fusarium species will continue to be of substantial social, biological and economic importance in the coming decades and beyond. Thus, the aim of the present Special Issue is to present some of the latest works on Fusarium taxonomy, identification, phylogenetic studies, population genetics, diversity and virulence mechanisms, pathogen–host interactions and the evaluation of the prevalence of Fusarium fungi, among other relevant topics.

  1. Fusarium;
  2. Phylogeny;
  3. Pathogens;
  4. Endophytes;
  5. Diversity;
  6. Mycotoxins;
  7. Virulence;
  8. Taxonomy.

Reviews, original research articles, and communications are welcome.

Dr. Maria Laura Ramirez
Dr. Eugenia Cendoya
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Fungi is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Fusarium
  • pathogens
  • mycotoxins
  • taxonomy
  • virulence

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

12 pages, 916 KB  
Article
Characterization of Members of the Fusarium incarnatum–equiseti Species Complex from Natural and Cultivated Grasses Intended for Grazing Cattle in Argentina
by María Julia Nichea, Eugenia Cendoya, Vanessa Gimena Zachetti, Luisina Delma Demonte, María Rosa Repetti, Sofia Alejandra Palacios and María Laura Ramirez
J. Fungi 2026, 12(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12010026 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 654
Abstract
The detection of zeranol in grazing cattle could be explained by the metabolization of the mycotoxin, zearalenone (ZEA), which was proven to be naturally contaminating the grasses harboring the Fusarium species. Previous studies have suggested that members of the Fusarium incarnatum–equiseti species complex [...] Read more.
The detection of zeranol in grazing cattle could be explained by the metabolization of the mycotoxin, zearalenone (ZEA), which was proven to be naturally contaminating the grasses harboring the Fusarium species. Previous studies have suggested that members of the Fusarium incarnatum–equiseti species complex (FIESC) could be responsible for this contamination. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the species composition of FIESC isolates isolated from natural and cultivated pastures previously intended for livestock feed in Argentina and to analyze their ability to produce ZEA. Twenty-five Fusarium isolates were characterized by a phylogenetic analysis of the translation elongation factor 1α, and their ZEA production was quantified by cultivation in rice and subsequent analysis by UPLC-MS/MS. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a high genetic diversity identifying five isolates as species already described in the FIESC and six linages which could represent putative new phylogenetic species. In addition, 76% of the isolates were able to produce ZEA, even in high quantities. In conclusion, grasses used for grazing cattle in Argentina harbor a high diversity of FIESC species, many of which are potentially new and capable of producing ZEA, confirming their role as a likely source of this mycotoxin contamination in pastures and improving our understanding of mycological risk in livestock production systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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22 pages, 3372 KB  
Article
Molecular and Morphological Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Causing Melon Wilt in Russia
by Irina Engalycheva, Elena Kozar, Alina Kameneva, Maria Sletova, Svetlana Vetrova, Vera Chizhik, Maria Kornilova and Viktor Martynov
J. Fungi 2025, 11(12), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11120888 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 922
Abstract
Fusarium wilt of melon, caused by Fusarium fungi, results in sizeable economic losses worldwide. In Russia, data on the species composition of the causative pathogens of this disease on melon are lacking. From 2022 to 2025, 19 Fusarium isolates from the Volgograd and [...] Read more.
Fusarium wilt of melon, caused by Fusarium fungi, results in sizeable economic losses worldwide. In Russia, data on the species composition of the causative pathogens of this disease on melon are lacking. From 2022 to 2025, 19 Fusarium isolates from the Volgograd and Rostov regions were included in a study that included species identification using molecular phylogenetic analysis of the tef1 and rpb2 loci, morphological description, and pathogenicity assessment against the host plant and other members of the Cucurbitaceae family. Four Fusarium species were found to be involved in the pathogenesis of Fusarium wilt of melon in Russia: F. clavus (37% of the total number of isolates), F. annulatum (21%), F. cf. inflexum (21%), and F. brachygibbosum (21%). All identified species were isolated in the Volgograd Region, while only F. cf. inflexum and F. brachygibbosum were isolated in the Rostov Region. This study reports for the first time the high pathogenicity of F. cf. inflexum and F. brachygibbosum species associated with melon wilt. Morphological variability and different aggressiveness of isolates of the species F. brachygibbosum and F. clavus, isolated in the Volgograd (-V) and Rostov (-R) regions in different years, were observed. The isolate F. brachygibbosum-V showed high aggressiveness both at the sprout and seedling stages, while the isolate F. brachygibbosum-R was characterized by moderate aggressiveness only at the sprout stage. High pathogenicity of the species isolated from melons was established for other cucurbit crops. F. cf. inflexum was also pathogenic for watermelon and pumpkin, and F. brachygibbosum was pathogenic for pumpkin. The obtained data will have practical value for the development of biological control measures against Fusarium fungi and will be used in a melon breeding program for resistance to Fusarium wilt. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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21 pages, 3255 KB  
Article
Phenolic Compounds Accumulation and Cell Death Degree Induced by Fusaric Acid in Agroforestry Hosts Plants of Fusarium Species
by Angélica Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Javier Plasencia, Juan L. Monribot-Villanueva, Benjamín Rodríguez-Haas, Eliel Ruiz-May, José A. Guerrero-Analco and Diana Sánchez-Rangel
J. Fungi 2025, 11(10), 745; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11100745 - 17 Oct 2025
Viewed by 1562
Abstract
The genus Fusarium comprises multiple species recognized as plant pathogens in both annual and perennial crops. Some phytopathogenic species of this genus can be transmitted by insect vectors, which introduce them into woody plant species of ecological and agroeconomic importance. Among these species, [...] Read more.
The genus Fusarium comprises multiple species recognized as plant pathogens in both annual and perennial crops. Some phytopathogenic species of this genus can be transmitted by insect vectors, which introduce them into woody plant species of ecological and agroeconomic importance. Among these species, Fusarium kuroshium stands out, but studies are limited because it is a quarantine pathogen that requires special biosafety measures for its culture. This fungus produces fusaric acid (FA), a virulence factor that is widespread in Fusarium spp. To gain insight into the role of this phytotoxin in virulence, we exposed leaves of four woody host species (Liquidambar styraciflua, Persea americana, Citrus sinensis, and Populus nigra) of F. kuroshium to FA in vitro. The plant tissue exhibited varying degrees of cell death and physiological alterations, including a reduction in biomass, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated electrolyte leakage, and loss of photosynthetic pigments. A chemical analysis demonstrated that the flavonoid and isoflavonoid pathways, in addition to linoleic and linolenic acid metabolism, were markedly affected by FA. Following the quantification of phenolic compounds in leaves, 11 metabolites were identified whose concentrations increased in response to FA stress. The findings of this study indicate that phenolic compounds play a significant role in the response to FA stress. Particularly, scopoletin has a protective effect on leaves of Liquidambar styraciflua. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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12 pages, 4153 KB  
Article
Molecular Identification of Fusarium Isolates from Bozcaada Çavuş and Karalahna Grapes in Türkiye
by Gülçin Özcan Ateş
J. Fungi 2025, 11(5), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11050373 - 14 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1498
Abstract
Contamination of agricultural products by Fusarium species is a significant concern and is commonly found in various agricultural products. They cause severe economic losses in the products, and contaminate and threaten human and animal health due to the toxins they produce. Therefore, determining [...] Read more.
Contamination of agricultural products by Fusarium species is a significant concern and is commonly found in various agricultural products. They cause severe economic losses in the products, and contaminate and threaten human and animal health due to the toxins they produce. Therefore, determining species diversity in various agricultural products is crucial. Bozcaada is well suited for cultivating the highest quality Çavuş grape due to its unique location and climate. Therefore, in this study, the sequencing of the tef1 and tub2 genes in Fusarium isolates from table Çavuş and wine grapes Karalahna, which are specific to Bozcaada, was performed, and their phylogenetic relationships were examined. As a result, it was determined that 11 of the 17 isolates were Fusarium annulatum from the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), 2 were Fusarium nirenbergiae from the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), 2 were Fusarium fabacearum from the FOSC, and the last 2 isolates were Fusarium makinsoniae and Fusarium clavus (as ‘clavum’) from the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). The F. makinsoniae and F. fabacearum species obtained in the study are the first recorded for Türkiye. This research highlights the variety of Fusarium species identified in Bozcaada vineyards in Türkiye. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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17 pages, 3404 KB  
Article
Proteomic Analysis of the Fusarium graminearum Secretory Proteins in Wheat Apoplast Reveals a Cell-Death-Inducing M43 Peptidase
by Pengfeng Li, Ruihua Zhao, Ying Fang, Yujin Fan, Qianyong Hu, Wei Huang, Wujun Ma and Cuijun Zhang
J. Fungi 2025, 11(4), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof11040240 - 21 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3686
Abstract
Fusarium graminearum, a highly destructive fungal pathogen, poses a major threat to wheat production. The apoplast is an important space for plant–pathogen interactions. However, no studies have been reported on the secretory proteins of F. graminearum in the wheat apoplast. In this [...] Read more.
Fusarium graminearum, a highly destructive fungal pathogen, poses a major threat to wheat production. The apoplast is an important space for plant–pathogen interactions. However, no studies have been reported on the secretory proteins of F. graminearum in the wheat apoplast. In this study, we performed mass spectrometry analysis of F. graminearum secretory proteins in wheat apoplast and identified 79 potential secretory proteins. We identified a metalloprotease (referred to as Fg28) and demonstrated its capacity to induce cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana. Fg28 is strongly up-regulated in the early stages of infection and is secreted into the intercellular space of wheat cells. Full-length Fg28 is required to induce cell death in N. benthamiana. In addition, Fg28 induces an immune response that is independent of BAK1/SOBIR1 and EDS1/PAD4. Furthermore, knocking out Fg28 had no effect on morphology or pathogenicity. In conclusion, we have identified a set of F. graminearum secreted proteins in the wheat apoplast and a metalloproteinase that triggers immune response, providing new insights into understanding the interaction between F. graminearum and wheat. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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17 pages, 6521 KB  
Article
Histone H3 N-Terminal Lysine Acetylation Governs Fungal Growth, Conidiation, and Pathogenicity through Regulating Gene Expression in Fusarium pseudograminearum
by Hang Jiang, Lifang Yuan, Liguo Ma, Kai Qi, Yueli Zhang, Bo Zhang, Guoping Ma and Junshan Qi
J. Fungi 2024, 10(6), 379; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10060379 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2361
Abstract
The acetylation of histone lysine residues regulates multiple life processes, including growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity in filamentous pathogenic fungi. However, the specific function of each lysine residue at the N-terminus of histone H3 in phytopathogenic fungi remains unclear. In this study, we mutated [...] Read more.
The acetylation of histone lysine residues regulates multiple life processes, including growth, conidiation, and pathogenicity in filamentous pathogenic fungi. However, the specific function of each lysine residue at the N-terminus of histone H3 in phytopathogenic fungi remains unclear. In this study, we mutated the N-terminal lysine residues of histone H3 in Fusarium pseudograminearum, the main causal agent of Fusarium crown rot of wheat in China, which also produces deoxynivalenol (DON) toxins harmful to humans and animals. Our findings reveal that all the FpH3K9R, FpH3K14R, FpH3K18R, and FpH3K23R mutants are vital for vegetative growth and conidiation. Additionally, FpH3K14 regulates the pathogen’s sensitivity to various stresses and fungicides. Despite the slowed growth of the FpH3K9R and FpH3K23R mutants, their pathogenicity towards wheat stems and heads remains unchanged. However, the FpH3K9R mutant produces more DON. Furthermore, the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants exhibit significantly reduced virulence, with the FpH3K18R mutant producing minimal DON. In the FpH3K9R, FpH3K14R, FpH3K18R, and FpH3K23R mutants, there are 1863, 1400, 1688, and 1806 downregulated genes, respectively, compared to the wild type. These downregulated genes include many that are crucial for growth, conidiation, pathogenicity, and DON production, as well as some essential genes. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicates that genes downregulated in the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants are enriched for ribosome biogenesis, rRNA processing, and rRNA metabolic process. This suggests that the translation machinery is abnormal in the FpH3K14R and FpH3K18R mutants. Overall, our findings suggest that H3 N-terminal lysine residues are involved in regulating the expression of genes with important functions and are critical for fungal development and pathogenicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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13 pages, 1949 KB  
Communication
Identification and Pathogenicity of Fusarium Species Associated with Onion Basal Rot in the Moscow Region of Russian Federation
by Svetlana Vetrova, Ksenia Alyokhina, Irina Engalycheva, Elena Kozar, Kseniya Mukhina, Maria Sletova, Leonid Krivenkov, Tatyana Tikhonova, Alina Kameneva, Svetlana Frolova, Vera Chizhik and Viktor Martynov
J. Fungi 2024, 10(5), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof10050331 - 4 May 2024
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2870
Abstract
Fusarium basal rot of onions causes large losses during storage of commercial production of onion bulbs, which in turn adversely affects the food market situation in the off-season period. There are no data on the composition of Fusarium spp., which causes onion basal [...] Read more.
Fusarium basal rot of onions causes large losses during storage of commercial production of onion bulbs, which in turn adversely affects the food market situation in the off-season period. There are no data on the composition of Fusarium spp., which causes onion basal rot in the Russian Federation. Therefore, our research was aimed at Fusarium spp. causing onion basal rot in the Moscow Region of the Russian Federation and studying the pathogenicity of these species for the host plant. We studied 20 isolates of Fusarium spp. collected from affected mature bulbs and seed bulbs. Species identification of the isolates was carried out using analysis of the nucleotide sequences of the three genetic loci ITS, tef1 and rpb2, as well as was based on the macro- and micromorphological characteristics of these isolates. As a result, the species F. annulatum (F. fujikuroi species complex), F. oxysporum (F. oxysporum species complex), F. acuminatum (F. tricinctum species complex) and F. solani (F. solani species complex) were identified to involve in the pathogenesis of Fusarium basal rot. We have shown for the first time that the species F. annulatum and F. acuminatum are highly aggressive and capable of causing onion basal rot. The predominant species were F. annulatum and F. oxysporum. The proportion of these species in the total number of analyzed isolates was 60% and 25%, respectively. The largest proportion (33%) of highly aggressive on mature bulbs isolates was found in the species F. annulatum. The data obtained provide practical insights for developing strategies to manage Fusarium fungi responsible for onion basal rot Moscow Region of the Russian Federation. In addition, data about species composition and aggressive isolates may be used in onion breeding for resistance to Fusarium basal rot. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphology, Phylogeny and Pathogenicity of Fusarium)
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