Screening for Fusarium toxigenic isolates using larvae of Galleria mellonella

The toxicity of twenty-four Fusarium isolates was evaluated towards larvae of Galleria mellonella by the antlfeedant activity of the autoclaved fungal culture incorporated into insect diet. Culturesof isolates belonging to F. sporotrichioldes, F. compactum and F. sambucinum, well known as capable to synthesize trichothecenes, showed high antifeedant activity (ca 60-70%); whereas controversial activity was showed by F. equiseti, F. proliferatum and F. solani cultures, and not significant activity was showed by F. oxysporum cultures. The G. mellonella larvae bioassay is suggested as a reliable sensitive Insectbioassay for screening fungal toxicity. © 1994 Society of Mycotoxin Research and Springer.