'Periodica Polytechnica Budapest University of Technology and Economics'
Abstract
Eight maize hybrids grown in Hungary were studied in order to investigate the effects of
some agrotechnical factors (N-fertilization and plant density) on the resistance to Fusarium
moulds. The plants grown on an experimental farm were artificially infected using the
tooth pick method with F. graminearum and F. culmorum. In addition, maize grain meals
were also inoculated with isolates of moulds. The surface area of ears covered by moulds 9
weeks after inoculation and the toxin content (Zearalenone and T2 toxin) of infected grain
meals were measured. For characterization of resistance, the toxin-mould index (TMI) was
introduced which takes into consideration both the growth rate of moulds and their toxin
production.
A slight decrease in the mould-covered surface area of ears was observed with growing
N-supply, and surprisingly no significant differences were found in the toxin content
with higher plant density