Pathogenicity of Aspergillus spp. isolates originating from Serbia

Abstract

Summary: Species of the genus Aspergillus, section Flavi are facultative plant pathogens with the capability to contaminate primary agricultural products in the field, at harvest, in warehouses, and during processing. Infection is done through silk or injuries on maize ears. The objective of this study was to test pathogenicity of 25 A. parasiticus isolates on barley leaves. A. parasiticus was isolated from maize kernels collected from 22 locations in Serbia during 2013-2015. Inoculation of the first barley leaf was done by the spore suspension of the fungus A. parasiticus. The spot sizes were statistically compared and this comparison showed that the isolate MRIZP 3930 was the least virulent. The isolate MRIZP 3819 was the most virulent seven days after inoculation and together with the isolate MRIZP 4265 was classified into the most aggressive group rated as 5. Pathogenicity was confirmed in all isolates.