Secondary Metabolites Produced by a Strain of <i>Fusarium oxysporum</i> Used for <i>Striga</i> Control in West Africa

Abstract

The production of fusaric acid and other toxins by a strain of Fusarium oxysporum used for control of the weed Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. was investigated. Culturing of the strain under optimal conditions for toxin production produced small amounts of fusaric acid and dehydrofusaric acid but no other toxins reported to be produced by some strains of F. oxysporum. Culturing of the fungus under conditions similar to those that would be used in the field produced no detectable toxins of concern for human health.