Formation of zearalenone on wheat contaminated with Fusarium graminearum under controlled conditions

Abstract

 The contamination of cereals with field-growing Fusarium species can be a health hazard since Fusarium are known for their ability to produce mycotoxins like zearalenone (ZON) and deoxynivalenol (DON). For this study the formation of ZON was investigated under controlled growth conditions. Ergosterol, as an indicator of fungal growth, and ZON were analysed by HPLC with UV and fluorescence detection respectively. It is shown that ZON is synthesised in the late growth phase of the fungi, which is typical for secondary metabolites. Milling of contaminated wheat shows a reduced content of ZON in fractions of low ash content. Consequently the concentration of ZON in bran, which has a high ash content, was much higher.