Presencia de zearalenona en pasturas del este de Chaco

Natural occurrence of zearalenone in grassland, improved pastures and feeds for cattle in eastern Chacoprovince (Argentina) was surveyed. Besides, isolation, identification and toxicogenic capacity of several Fusariumspecies were carried out. HPLC and ELISA techniques were used for detection of the toxin. In 17 of 29 samples zearalenone presence was confirmed. Sixty- three Fusarium isolates corresponding to Fusarium cf. acuminatum F. chlamydosporum, F. equiseti, F. oxysporum and F. semitectum were identified. On the other hand, in vitro production of zearalenone was verified in 34 of these isolates.Key words: mycotoxins, Fusarium, grasses.