Role and importance of different infection pathways on the final Fusarium infectionand fumonisin contamination in maize

Soil cultivation techniques did not, but seed inoculation with Fusarium verticillioides did influence the infection rate of primary roots and epicotyl of maize. Stem colonization was unaffected by both seed inoculation and cultivation practices. Maize kernels were Fusarium-free until the milk stage, but they were progressively colonized by the pathogen during the ripening. Infection rate and fumonisin contamination were affected by crop residues. Fungicide treatments had light effects only, whereas Ostrinia nubilalis clearly promoted ear infection and fumonisin contamination.