Fate of deoxynivalenol (DON) and impact on the soil microflora and soil fauna

Fusarium graminearum is a plant-pathogenic fungus that causes the devastating disease “Fusarium head blight” (FHB) in cereal crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum). It also contaminates grains with mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON), which turn toxic to humans and animals. This overwinters crop residues left field. The fate of mycotoxins these soil their ecological role are still unexplored. Therefore, our objective was assess whether maintained soil, impact biome benefit survival F. graminearum. A six-month study microcosms performed examine DON graminearum-contaminated straw its on communities. extracted from mixtures, quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). total fungal bacterial molecular biomasses were using real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Nematode earthworm densities through binocular observations. Changes genetic structure fungi, bacteria, protozoa, nematodes communities determined terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analyses. Results revealed disappeared over time. rate disappearance accelerated when incorporated into contained earthworms. Fungal biomass, first stimulated during incorporation straw, decreased after 2 weeks until end experiment (24 weeks). more strongly presence DON. negative temporary at experiment, biomass higher treatments received than other while population unaffected. Similarly, modified community structures bacteria protozoa various extents but not nematodes. DON-contaminated found attractive for earthworms, reproduction or cocoon hatching. major conclusion briefly affected communities, time gave no observable advantage soil-borne populations.