Production of alternariol and alternariol mono-methyl ether by isolates of Alternaria spp. from Argentinian maize.

Alternaria cultures (87 isolates of Alternaria alternata, four of A. tenuissima, two of A. radicina, and three of Alternaria state of Pleospora infectoria respectively, from maize) were screened to determine their ability to produce alternariol (AOH) and alternariol monomethyl ether (AME) on maize and rice. Only 28 A. alternata stains had toxigenic capacity. When maize was used as substrate 21 of 28 isolates produced AOH and AME, and 23 of 28 strains produced AOH and 22 of 28 produced AME when rice was used. The level of AOH produced by the isolates ranged from 0.3 to 2.1 mg/kg on maize and from 0.4 to 9.9 mg/kg on rice. The AME production by the stains ranged between 0.3 and 3.3 mg/kg both on maize and on rice. These results could indicate a low probability of AOH and AME occurring naturally on maize in Argentina.