Modelling Fusarium verticillioides infection and fumonisin synthesis in maize ears

A conceptual model for dynamic simulation of the life cycle of Fusarium verticillioides in maize and the consequent production of fumonisin B1 in kernels was elaborated following the principles of “systems analysis”. A relational diagram of the pathosystem was elaborated; variables influencing the infection process were identified; the most influential are air temperature, relative humidity, wetness, available water for fungal metabolism in plant tissue, and maize growth stage. Mathematical equations relating these variables to spore production, infection, invasion and mycotoxin production were elaborated. To produce an operative model, some aspects of the disease cycle will be further investigated.