Effect of fenpropimorph, prochloraz and tebuconazole on growth and production of T-2 and HT-2 toxins by Fusarium langsethiae in oat-based medium

Fusarium langsethiae has been isolated from infected cereals in central and northern Europe where it has been identified in the last decade as the main species involved in the occurrence of high levels of T-2 and HT-2 toxins, mainly in oats. The efficacy of three fungicides (prochloraz, tebuconazole, fenpropimorph) for controlling growth of two strains of F. langsethiae isolated from oats was examined at 0.96 and 0.98 aw at 15, 20 and 25°C on oat-based media. The concentrations necessary for 50 and 90% growth inhibition (ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ values) were determined. The effect on the trichothecene type A mycotoxins T-2 and HT-2 was also determined. Without fungicides both strains grew faster at 0.98 than at 0.96 aw and the influence of temperature on growth rates was 25>20>15°C. Prochloraz and tebuconazole were more effective than fenpropimorph against F. langsethiae. Strain, temperature and type of fungicide significantly influenced the ED₅₀ and ED₉₀ values for growth. The concentration ranges under different environmental conditions were: prochloraz (0.03–0.1 and 0.3–1.5), tebuconazole (0.06–0.9 and 1.3–8.2), and fenpropimorph (22–59 and 125–215mgl⁻¹). Production of T-2 and HT-2 toxins was influenced by temperature, aw, type of fungicide and dose. Levels of T-2 were usually higher than those of HT-2 under the same conditions. The biosynthesis of T-2 toxin increased after 10day incubation, but was reduced with decreasing temperature and increasing fungicide dose. At 0.98 aw T-2 levels increased in cultures containing fenpropimorph while at 0.96 aw the toxin concentrations increased in response to the other two fungicides. Low doses of prochloraz or tebuconazole enhanced toxin production when compared with untreated cultures for strain 2004-59 at 0.96 aw and 20–25°C. HT-2 was hardly detectable in the treatments with prochloraz or tebuconazole at 0.98 aw. This is the first study on the effect of these anti-fungal compounds on control of growth of F. langsethiae and on production of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in oat-based media.