Abstract
Fusarium verticillioides is a maize pathogen causing ear and stalk rots worldwide; in grain it produces
a family of mycotoxins called fumonisins. Fumonisin B1 (FB1), the most important, can damage health if eaten
by animals or humans. The European Commission has fixed maximum admissible levels for fumonisins
(B1+B2) in maize and derivedproducts, that are frequently exceeded in southern Europe. Since 2002, several
research projects have been developed in Italy, to understand the maize–F. verticillioides pathosystem aiming at
developing a Decision Support System. The main topics were: 1. ecophysiology of F. verticillioides; 2. trigging
conditions for grain infection; 3. the role of cropping system on fumonisin production; 4. selection of maize
lines resistant to infection; 5. direct control actions against F. verticillioides. The fungus is active from 5 °C to
40 °C, optimum 25–30°C, and above 0.90 aw, optimum 0.99. Inoculum is always present in the field and,
whether air- or splash-borne, easily reaches the ear where it can start infection along with growth stages, till
ripening. Fumonisin is detected in grain from the early dough stage, and a cumulative effect is normally
observed, that increases also when aw of kernels is lower than 0.90. Some steps in crop management, like
geographic region, hybrid variety, seeding period, manuring, irrigation and harvest time can influence
fumonisin production, but meteorological conditions play the main role. Promising results have been obtained
studying genetic resistance, but the use of new hybrids, and the control of the European corn borer and the
fungus can contribute to reducing fumonisin contamination.