Genetic diversity of Fusarium section Liseola (Gibberella fujikuroi) in individual maize stalks

Isolates belonging to Fusarium section Liseola (teleomorph Gibberella fujikuroi), primarily F. moniliforme, F. proliferatum, and F. subglutinans, are recovered from maize worldwide. Consistent isolation of these fungi from symptomatic and asymptomatic plant tissues suggests that the fungus can systemically colonize maize plants; however, the number of strains that colonize a single plant has not been determined. Using vegetative compatibility groups to differentiate among strains, we have shown that most maize plants are infected by two to three strains belonging to Fusarium section Liseola. Some of the strains recovered from the stalk usually are recovered from the ear as well [...]