Heidi Udnes Aamot
Research Scientist
Biography
I am a plant pathologist, with focus on Fusarium and mycotoxins in cereals (diagnostics, biology, disease control). I am also involved in research within seed pathology and seed borne diseases.
Education: Master’s degree in Plant Sciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (2007). PhD in Plant Pathology at NIBIO and the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (2013).
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Guro Brodal Marit Almvik Morten Lillemo Aina Lundon Russenes Simon Graham Edwards Heidi Udnes AamotAbstract
Over recent decades, the Norwegian cereal industry has had major practical and financial challenges associated with the occurrence of Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogens and their associated mycotoxins in cereal grains. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is one of the most common Fusarium-mycotoxins in Norwegian oats, however T-2 toxin (T2) and HT-2 toxin (HT2) are also commonly detected. The aim of our study was to rank Nordic spring oat varieties and breeding lines by content of the most commonly occurring Fusarium mycotoxins (DON and HT2 + T2) as well as by the DNA content of their respective producers. We analyzed the content of mycotoxins and DNA of seven fungal species belonging to the FHB disease complex in grains of Nordic oat varieties and breeding lines harvested from oat field trials located in the main cereal cultivating district in South-East Norway in the years 2011–2020. Oat grains harvested from varieties with a high FHB resistance contained on average half the levels of mycotoxins compared with the most susceptible varieties, which implies that choice of variety may indeed impact on mycotoxin risk. The ranking of oat varieties according to HT2 + T2 levels corresponded with the ranking according to the DNA levels of Fusarium langsethiae, but differed from the ranking according to DON and Fusarium graminearum DNA. Separate tests are therefore necessary to determine the resistance towards HT2 + T2 and DON producers in oats. This creates practical challenges for the screening of FHB resistance in oats as today’s screening focuses on resistance to F. graminearum and DON. We identified oat varieties with generally low levels of both mycotoxins and FHB pathogens which should be preferred to mitigate mycotoxin risk in Norwegian oats.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Hesam Mousavi Jafar Razzaghian Guro Brodal Michael Sulyok Rudolf Krska Simon G. Edwards Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Till Seehusen Børge Magne Holen Hugh Riley Ruth Dill-Macky Simon G. Edwards Guro BrodalAbstract
Frequent occurrences of high levels of Fusarium mycotoxins have been recorded in Norwegian oat grain. To elucidate the influence of tillage operations on the development of Fusarium and mycotoxins in oat grain, we conducted tillage trials with continuous oats at two locations in southeast Norway. We have previously presented the content of Fusarium DNA detected in straw residues and air samples from these fields. Grain harvested from ploughed plots had lower levels of Fusarium langsethiae DNA and HT-2 and T-2 toxins (HT2 + T2) compared to grain from harrowed plots. Our results indicate that the risk of F. langsethiae and HT2 + T2 contamination of oats is reduced with increasing tillage intensity. No distinct influence of tillage on the DNA concentration of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium avenaceum in the harvested grain was observed. In contrast to F. graminearum and F. avenaceum, only limited contents of F. langsethiae DNA were observed in straw residues and air samples. Still, considerable concentrations of F. langsethiae DNA and HT2 + T2 were recorded in oat grain harvested from these fields. We speculate that the life cycle of F. langsethiae differs from those of F. graminearum and F. avenaceum with regard to survival, inoculum production and dispersal.
Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Heidi Udnes Aamot Morten Lillemo Espen Sannes Sørensen Guro Brodal Aina Lundon Russenes Simon G. Edwards Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
Fusarium graminearum is regarded as the main deoxynivalenol (DON) producer in Norwegian oats, and high levels of DON are occasionally recorded in oat grains. Weather conditions in the period around flowering are reported to have a high impact on the development of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and DON in cereal grains. Thus, it would be advantageous if the risk of DON contamination of oat grains could be predicted based on weather data. We conducted a functional data analysis of weather-based time series data linked to DON content in order to identify weather patterns associated with increased DON levels. Since flowering date was not recorded in our dataset, a mathematical model was developed to predict phenological growth stages in Norwegian spring oats. Through functional data analysis, weather patterns associated with DON content in the harvested grain were revealed mainly from about three weeks pre-flowering onwards. Oat fields with elevated DON levels generally had warmer weather around sowing, and lower temperatures and higher relative humidity or rain prior to flowering onwards, compared to fields with low DON levels. Our results are in line with results from similar studies presented for FHB epidemics in wheat. Functional data analysis was found to be a useful tool to reveal weather patterns of importance for DON development in oats.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Morten Lillemo Heidi Udnes Aamot Marit Almvik Espen Sannes Sørensen Trond Buraas Bernd Rodemann Simon G. Edwards Guro BrodalAbstract
Occasionally, high mycotoxin levels are observed in Norwegian oat grain lots. The development of oat varieties with improved resistance to Fusarium and mycotoxins is therefore highly valued in order to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry. The Norwegian project “SafeOats” (2016-2020) aimed to develop resistance-screening methods to facilitate the phase-out of Fusarium-susceptible oat germplasm, as well as to give new insight into the biology of Fusarium langsethiae and HT2+T2 accumulation in oats. In naturally infested as well as in inoculated field trials, the relative ranking of oat varieties according to Fusarium graminearum/DON content did not resemble the ranking according to F. langsethiae/HT2+T2 content. One variety regarded as moderate resistant to Fusarium according to studies of DON content, was susceptible to F. langsethiae and thus at high risk for HT2+T2 contamination. Screening of resistance to F. langsethiae/HT2-T2 should therefore be routinely applied in breeding programs in addition to the already established screening of resistance to F. graminearum/DON. The incidence of F. langsethiae in a selection of oat seed lots used for commercial sowing showed a similar ranking of varieties as in the field trials. On average, the fungus was observed on 5% of the kernels in 168 seed lots tested during 2016-2018. No indication of transmission of F. langsethiae from germinating seed to seedling was found in a study with germination of naturally infected seeds. We investigated whether removing of small kernels by size sorting could be a method to reduce the content of mycotoxins in oat grain. For several of the mycotoxins including HT2+T2, the concentrations were considerably higher in the small kernel fraction compared to unsorted grain. Our results demonstrate that the level of mycotoxins in unprocessed oat grain can be reduced by removing small kernels. The results from SafeOats will benefit consumers nationally and internationally by providing tools to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry. The project was financed by The Agriculture and Food Industry Research Funds /Research Council of Norway with support from the industry partners Graminor, Lantmännen, Felleskjøpet Agri, Felleskjøpet Rogaland & Agder, Fiskå Mølle Moss, Norgesmøllene, Strand Unikorn/Norgesfôr and Kimen Seed Laboratory.
Authors
Shiori Koga Heidi Udnes Aamot Anne Kjersti Uhlen Till Seehusen Eva Veiseth-Kent Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Anette Moldestad Ulrike BöckerAbstract
This study aims to understand the environmental factors, focusing on rain and fungal infection, affecting the assembly of glutenin polymers during grain maturation. Spring wheat was grown in the field and grains were sampled from 50% grain moisture until maturity. Grain moisture content, protein content, size of glutenin polymers, the presence of proteases, and the amount of DNA from common wheat pathogenic fungi were analysed. Rain influenced the rate of grain desiccation that occurred parallel to the rate of glutenin polymer assembly. Rapid desiccation contributed to faster glutenin polymer assembly than gradual desiccation. Severe reduction in the glutenin polymer size coincided with increased grain moisture due to rain. Furthermore, increased fungal DNA followed by presence of gluten-degrading proteases was observed in the grain after humid conditions. The presence of gluten-degrading proteases was presumably involved in reducing the size of glutenin polymers in grain. Our study gave new insight into how environmental conditions could be associated with the assembly of glutenin polymers during grain maturation. The results suggest that rain and/or fungal proteases play an important role in reducing the molecular size of glutenin polymers.
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Till Seehusen Hugh Riley Ruth Dill-Macky Børge Holen Guro BrodalAbstract
To mitigate the risk of erosion and nutrient runoff, reduced tillage has become more prevalent in Norway. Within within recent decades, there have been some years with relatively high occurrence of Fusarium head blight and mycotoxins in Norwegian cereal grain. This is thought to have been caused by an increased inoculum potential (IP) of Fusarium spp. due to larger amount of crop residues remaining on the soil surface, in combination with weather conditions promoting fungal growth and infection of cereal plants. The objective of this work was to elucidate the influence of different tillage practices on the IP of Fusarium spp. and the subsequent Fusarium-infection and mycotoxin contamination of spring wheat grain at harvest. Tillage trials were conducted at two locations in southeast Norway (Solør and Toten) over three years, 2010-2012. Residues of wheat from the previous year were collected in spring. Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium graminearum were the most common Fusarium species recorded on wheat straw residues. IP was calculated as the percentage of the residues infested with Fusarium spp. multiplied by the proportion of the soil surface covered with residues. The IP of Fusarium spp. was lower in ploughed plots compared to those tilled with harrowing only. Ploughing in spring resulted in a similarly low IP as autumn ploughing. In contrast, harrowing in autumn generally reduced IP more than did spring harrowing. The mycotoxin levels in the harvested wheat were generally low, except for deoxynivalenol at high levels in Solør 2011. Despite a lower IP of ploughed versus harrowed plots, this was not reflected in the content of Fusarium and mycotoxins in harvested grain. The Fusarium species that dominated in the residues examined in this study were the same as those detected in the harvested grain, supporting the finding that residues are an important source of inoculum.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Erik Lysøe Shiori Koga Katherine Ann Gredvig Nielsen Ulrike Böcker Guro Brodal Ruth Dill-Macky Anne Kjersti Uhlen Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
The bread-making quality of wheat depends on the viscoelastic properties of the dough in which gluten proteins play an important role. The quality of gluten proteins is influenced by the genetics of the different wheat varieties and environmental factors. Occasionally, a near complete loss of gluten strength, measured as the maximum resistance towards stretching (Rmax), is observed in grain lots of Norwegian wheat. It is hypothesized that the loss of gluten quality is caused by degradation of gluten proteins by fungal proteases. To identify fungi associated with loss of gluten strength, samples from a selection of wheat grain lots with weak gluten (n = 10, Rmax < 0.3 N) and strong gluten (n = 10, Rmax ≥ 0.6 N) was analyzed for the abundance of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) using DNA metabarcoding of the nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region ITS1. The DNA quantities for a selection of fungal pathogens of wheat, and the total amount of fungal DNA, were analyzed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The mean level of total fungal DNA was higher in grain samples with weak gluten compared to grain samples with strong gluten. Heightened quantities of DNA from fungi within the Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) complex, i.e. Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium graminearum, Microdochium majus, and Microdochium nivale, were observed in grain samples with weak gluten compared to those with strong gluten. Microdochium majus was the dominant fungus in the samples with weak gluten. Stepwise regression modeling based on different wheat quality parameters, qPCR data, and the 35 most common OTUs revealed a significant negative association between gluten strength and three OTUs, of which the OTU identified as M. majus was the most abundant. The same analysis also revealed a significant negative relationship between gluten strength and F. avenaceum detected by qPCR, although the DNA levels of this fungus were low compared to those of M. majus. In vitro growth rate studies of a selection of FHB species showed that all the tested isolates were able to grow with gluten as a sole nitrogen source. In addition, proteins secreted by these fungi in liquid cultures were able to hydrolyze gluten substrate proteins in zymograms, confirming their capacity to secrete gluten-degrading proteases. The identification of fungi with potential to influence gluten quality can enable the development of strategies to minimize future problems with gluten strength in food-grade wheat.
Abstract
Cereal grain contaminated by Fusarium mycotoxins is undesirable in food and feed because of the harmful health effects of the mycotoxins in humans and animals. Reduction of mycotoxin content in grain by cleaning and size sorting has mainly been studied in wheat. We investigated whether the removal of small kernels by size sorting could be a method to reduce the content of mycotoxins in oat grain. Samples from 24 Norwegian mycotoxin-contaminated grain lots (14 from 2015 and 10 from 2018) were sorted by a laboratory sieve (sieve size 2.2 mm) into large and small kernel fractions and, in addition to unsorted grain samples, analyzed with LC-MS-MS for quantification of 10 mycotoxins. By removing the small kernel fraction (on average 15% and 21% of the weight of the samples from the two years, respectively), the mean concentrations of HT-2+T-2 toxins were reduced by 56% (from 745 to 328 µg/kg) in the 2015 samples and by 32% (from 178 to 121 µg/kg) in the 2018 samples. Deoxynivalenol (DON) was reduced by 24% (from 191 to 145 µg/kg) in the 2018 samples, and enniatin B (EnnB) by 44% (from 1059 to 594 µg/kg) in the 2015 samples. Despite low levels, our analyses showed a trend towards reduced content of DON, ADON, NIV, EnnA, EnnA1, EnnB1 and BEA after removing the small kernel fraction in samples from 2015. For several of the mycotoxins, the concentrations were considerably higher in the small kernel fraction compared to unsorted grain. Our results demonstrate that the level of mycotoxins in unprocessed oat grain can be reduced by removing small kernels. We assume that our study is the first report on the effect of size sorting on the content of enniatins (Enns), NIV and BEA in oat grains.
Authors
Morten Lillemo Selamawit Tekle Espen Sannes Sørensen Trond Buraas Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Bernd Rodemann Alf Ceplitis Helge Skinnes Åsmund BjørnstadAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Katherine Ann Gredvig Nielsen Shiori Koga Anne Kjersti Uhlen Ulrike Böcker Erik Lysøe Guro Brodal Ruth Dill-Macky Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Heidi Udnes AamotAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Complex communities of microorganisms influence plant and agroecosystem health and productivity. Bacteria and fungi constitute a major part of the wheat head microbiome. A microorganism’s ability to colonize or infect a wheat seed is influenced by interacting microbiome. In Norway, wheat seed lots are routinely analysed for the infestation by Fusarium head blight and seedling blight diseases, such as Fusarium and Microdochium spp., and glume blotch caused by Parastagonospora nodorum using traditional methods (plating grain on PDA, recording presence or absence of fungal colonies) The purpose is to decide if the seed quality is suitable for sowing and whether seed treatment is needed. This method is time consuming, require knowledge within fungal morphology, and do not facilitate identification to species level in all cases. Molecular methods such as sequencing could allow detection and quantification of “all” microbial DNA, only limited by the specificity of the primers. Microbial profiling (metabarcoding) can be very time and cost-effective, since a mixture of many samples can be analysed simultaneously for both fungi and bacteria, and other microbes if required. In our project “Phytobiome” we used metabarcoding to analyse microbial communities in wheat heads and verify this information with results from qPCR and plate studies for a more complete study. Around 150 spring wheat seed lots from the years 2016-2017 (including two cultivars) were selected for analysis. One of the main objectives was to find microorganisms associated with seed germination. We will present findings from this work, but also some challenges when using PCR-based sequencing methods, especially regarding Fusarium head blight fungi.
Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
The SafeOats project was initiated in 2016. An important objective of this project is to develop resistance screening methods to facilitate the phase-out of Fusarium-susceptible oat germplasm. Furthermore, SafeOats will give new insight into the biology of F. langsethiae and HT2+T2 accumulation in oats, and thus facilitate the choice of relevant control measures. The relative ranking of oat varieties according to F. graminearum/DON versus F. langsethiae/HT2+T2 content has been explored in field and greenhouse trials. In the greenhouse studies, we have analysed the content of Fusarium DNA and mycotoxins in grains of selected oat varieties inoculated at different development stages. Furthermore, we are currently studying the transcriptome during F. langsethiae and F. graminearum infestation of oats. The project also focus on the occurrence of F. langsethiae in oat seeds and possible influence of the fungus on seedling development in a selection of oat varieties. SafeOats is coordinated by NIBIO and is a collaboration between NIBIO, NMBU, Kimen Seed Laboratory, and the main Norwegian and Swedish breeding companies, Graminor and Lantmännen. Harper Adam University (UK) and Julius Kühn-Institute (Germany) are international collaborators. The project is financed by The Foundation for Research Levy on Agricultural Products/Agricultural Agreement Research Fund/Research Council of Norway with support from the industry partners Graminor, Lantmännen, Felleskjøpet Agri, Felleskjøpet Rogaland & Agder, Fiskå Mølle Moss, Norgesmøllene, Strand Unikorn/Norgesfôr and Kimen Seed Laboratory. The results from SafeOats will benefit consumers nationally and internationally by providing tools to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry.
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Morten Lillemo Guro Brodal Erik Lysøe Marit Almvik Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Mauritz Åssveen Aina Lundon Russenes Einar Strand Åsmund Bjørnstad Helge Skinnes Selamawit Tekle Espen Sannes Sørensen Trond Buraas Alf Ceplitis Birgitte Henriksen Bernd Rodemann Simon G. EdwardsAbstract
Occasionally, high mycotoxin levels are observed in Norwegian oat grain lots. The development of moderate resistant oat cultivars is therefore highly valued in order to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry. The Norwegian SafeOats project (2016-2020) aims to develop resistance screening methods to facilitate the phase-out of Fusarium-susceptible oat germplasm. Furthermore, SafeOats will give new insight into the biology of F. langsethiae and HT2+T2 accumulation in oats. The relative ranking of oat varieties according to F. graminearum/DON versus F. langsethiae/HT2+T2 content has been explored in naturally infested as well as in inoculated field trials. Routine testing of the resistance to F. graminearum in oat cultivars and breeding lines has been conducted in Norway since 2007. We are currently working on ways to scale up the inoculum production and fine tune the methodology of F. langsethiae inoculation of field trials to be routinely applied in breeding programs. Through greenhouse studies, we have analysed the content of Fusarium DNA and mycotoxins in grains of selected oat varieties inoculated at different development stages. Furthermore, we are studying the transcriptome during F. langsethiae and F. graminearum infestation of oats. The project also focus on the occurrence of F. langsethiae in oat seeds and possible influence of the fungus on seedling development in a selection of oat varieties. On average, the fungus was observed on 5% of the kernels in 168 seed lots tested during 2016-2018. No indication of transmission of F. langsethiae from germinating seed to seedlings was found in a study with germination of naturally infected seeds. So far, the studies have shown that the ranking of oat varieties according to HT2+T2 content in non-inoculated field trials resembles the ranking observed in inoculated field trials. The ranking of oat varieties according to DON content is similar in non-inoculated and F. graminearum inoculated field trials. However, the ranking of oat varieties according to DON content does not resemble the ranking for HT2+T2. The results from SafeOats will benefit consumers nationally and internationally by providing tools to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry. The project is financed by The Foundation for Research Levy on Agricultural Products/Agricultural Agreement Research Fund/Research Council of Norway with support from the industry partners Graminor, Lantmännen, Felleskjøpet Agri, Felleskjøpet Rogaland & Agder, Fiskå Mølle Moss, Norgesmøllene, Strand Unikorn/Norgesfôr and Kimen Seed Laboratory.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Katherine Ann Gredvig Nielsen Shiori Koga Anne Kjersti Uhlen Ulrike Böcker Erik Lysøe Guro Brodal Ruth Dill-Macky Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
The proportion of Norwegian wheat used for food has varied significantly during the recent decade, mainly because of the instability of factors that are essential to baking quality (i.e. protein content and gluten functionality). During the same period, serious contamination of Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins was observed in some grain lots [1, 2]. A project was established to generate greater knowledge of the interface between gluten functionality and effects of Fusarium species and other microorganisms on Norwegian wheat quality. Instances of severe degradation of gluten proteins that resulted in an almost complete loss of gluten functionality were observed in some lots of Norwegian wheat. The degradation of the gluten appeared to be caused by exogenous proteases. Metabarcoding of fungi and bacteria in these grain lots identified fungi within the Fusarium Head Blight complex, as well as one bacterial species, as candidate species for influencing gluten functionality. Some of these candidates were inoculated on wheat during flowering [3]. Analysis of baking quality of the flour from this experiment revealed a reduced proportion of un-extractable polymeric proteins (%UPP) and severe reductions in the gluten’s resistance to stretching (RMAX) in wheat flour from plants inoculated with Fusarium graminearum. Flour from wheat inoculated with Fusarium avenaceum was generally less infested, and showed minimal or no reduction in gluten functionality and %UPP compared to flour from the F. graminearum infested samples. Flour from wheat inoculated with Michrodochium majus is yet to be analysed. References 1. Koga, S., et al., Investigating environmental factors that cause extreme gluten quality deficiency in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B—Soil & Plant Science, 2016. 66(3): p. 237-246. 2. Hofgaard, I., et al., Associations between Fusarium species and mycotoxins in oats and spring wheat from farmers’ fields in Norway over a six-year period. World Mycotoxin Journal, 2016. 9(3): p. 365-378. 3. Nielsen, K.A.G., Effect of microorganisms on gluten quality in wheat., in Faculty of Biosciences. 2017, Norwegian University of Life Sciences: Ås.
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Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Heidi Udnes Aamot Guro Brodal Einar Strand Torfinn Torp Simon G. Edwards Ruth Dill-Macky Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
High concentrations of the mycotoxins HT-2 and T-2 (HT2 + T2), primarily produced by Fusarium langsethiae, have occasionally been detected in Norwegian oat grains. In this study, we identified weather variables influencing accumulation of HT2 + T2 in Norwegian oat grains. Oat grain samples from farmers’ fields were collected together with weather data (2004–2013). Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated between the HT2 + T2 contamination in oats at harvest and a range of weather summarisations within estimated phenological windows of growth stages in oats (tillering, flowering etc.). Furthermore, we developed a mathematical model to predict the risk of HT2 + T2 in oat grains. Our data show that adequate predictions of the risk of HT2 + T2 in oat grains at harvest can be achieved, based upon weather data observed during the growing season. Humid and cool conditions, in addition to moderate temperatures during booting, were associated with increased HT2 + T2 accumulation in harvested oat grains, whereas warm and humid weather during stem elongation and inflorescence emergence, or cool weather and absence of rain during booting reduced the risk of HT2 + T2 accumulation. Warm and humid weather immediately after flowering increased the risk, while moderate to warm temperatures and absence of rain during dough development, reduced the risk of HT2 + T2 accumulation in oat grains. Our data indicated that HT2 + T2 contamination in oats is influenced by weather conditions both pre- and post-flowering. These findings are in contrast with a previous study examining the risk of deoxynivalenol contamination in oat reporting that toxin accumulation was mostly influenced by weather conditions from flowering onwards.
Abstract
Fusarium head blight and seedling blight, both caused by Fusarium spp. and Microdochium spp., and glume blotch caused by Parastagonospora nodorum, are important diseases in wheat. In Norway, wheat seed lots are routinely analysed for infestation by these pathogens using traditional methods (plating grain on PDA, recording presence or absence of fungal colonies). This method is time consuming, require knowledge within fungal morphology, and do not facilitate identification to species in all cases. Molecular methods such as quantitative PCR (qPCR) could allow detection and quantification of fungal DNA at the species level in a relatively time effective way, particularly since the method allows for automation in different steps such as DNA extraction and pipetting. Whether the latter method is suitable within seed health evaluations will depend on the relationship between the amount of DNA of the different fungal species and field performance, and the purpose of the test (evaluation of planting value, need for seed treatment, survey of fungal species, quality of grain for consumption etc). To compare the two different methods, about 150 spring wheat seed lots from the years 2016-2017 (including two cultivars) were selected for the analysis of different fungi using species-specific qPCR and compared with the results from routine testing on PDA. In the 2016 material (81 samples), a mean seed infestation rate of 26% was observed for Microdochium spp. in the PDA test. The level of Fusarium was lower (mean infestation rate of 5%). A strong relationship was observed between the percentage of seeds infested by Microdochium and the level of Microdochium DNA (sum of DNA from Microdochium majus and Microdochium nivale) quantified by qPCR (R2 of 0.76, p<0.01). The relationship between Fusarium infested seeds and the level of Fusarium DNA (sum of DNA from three species) was moderate (R2 of 0.33, p<0.01). The samples were also analysed for the presence of P. nodorum. Compared to Fusarium and Microdochium, P. nodorum was present at an intermediate level (mean infestation rate of 12%). The relationship between the two different methods was weaker for this fungus (R2 of 0.21, p<0.01) than for Fusarium and Microdochium. The relationship between germination capacity and rating of the three groups of fungi by either method was studied. Preliminary results suggest that of the three fungi, Microdochium was associated with germination capacity in the 2016 material, and that the Microdochium infestation rate on PDA was slightly better correlated to germination capacity than the level of Microdochium DNA. Further results will be presented at the conference, including the association between the relative DNA content of the different Microdochium and Fusarium species and seed germination.
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Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingeborg Klingen Simon Edwards May Bente Brurberg Toril Eklo Hege Særvold Steen Jafar Razzaghian Elisa Gauslaa Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
The plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium langsethiae produces the highly potent mycotoxins HT-2 and T-2. Since these toxins are frequently detected at high levels in oat grain lots, they pose a considerable risk for food and feed safety in Norway, as well as in other north European countries. To reduce the risk of HT-2/T- 2-contaminated grain lots to enter the food and feed chain, it is important to identify factors that influence F. langsethiae infection and mycotoxin development in oats. However, the epidemiology of F. langsethiae is unclear. A three-year survey was performed to reveal more of the life cycle of F. langsethiae and its interactions with oats, other Fusarium species, as well as insects, mites and weeds. We searched for inoculum sources by quantifying the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in crop residues, weeds, and soil sampled from a selection of oat-fields. To be able to define the onset of infection, we analysed the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in oat plant material sampled at selected growth stages (between booting and maturation), as well as the amount of F. langsethiae DNA and HT-2 and T-2 toxins in the mature grain. We also studied the presence of possible insect- and mite vectors sampled at the selected growth stages using Berlese funnel traps. The different types of materials were also analysed for the presence F. graminearum DNA, the most important deoxynivalenol producer observed in Norwegian cereals, and which presence has shown a striking lack of correlation with the presence of F. langsethiae in oat. Results show that F. langsethiae DNA may occur in the oat plant already before heading and flowering. Some F. langsethiae DNA was observed in crop residues and weeds, though at relatively low levels. No Fusarium DNA was detected in soil samples. Of the arthropods that were associated with the collected oat plants, aphids and thrips species were dominating. Further details will be given at the meeting.
Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Torfinn Torp Einar Strand Guro Brodal Heidi Udnes Aamot Berit Nordskog Ruth Dill-Macky Simon G. Edwards Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Heidi Udnes Aamot Guro Brodal Einar Strand Torfinn Torp Ruth Dill-Macky Simon G. Edwards Berit Nordskog Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
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Abstract
We present the complete genome sequence of Luteibacter rhizovicinus type strain LJ96T, a yellow-pigmented gammaproteobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of barley (Hordeum vulgare) Johansen et al. (2005) , a species with numerous potential applications. The genome sequence was deposited to NCBI GenBank with the accession number CP017480.
Abstract
Over the recent decades, the Norwegian cereal industry has had major practical and financial challenges associated with the occurrence of Fusarium and mycotoxins in cereal grains. From 2011, payment reductions to farmers were implemented for oat grain lots with high levels of deoxynivalenol (DON). However, according to preliminary results by NIBIO, NMBU and Graminor, certain oat varieties with generally medium or low DON contamination, may contain high levels of HT-2 and T-2-toxins (HT2+T2). These mycotoxins, formed by Fusarium langsethiae, are considerably more toxic than DON. Resistance to F. langsethiae is not included in the variety screening in Norway. In 2016 a new project, SafeOats, was initiated. This project is led by NIBIO and is a collaboration between NIBIO, NMBU, Kimen, and the main Norwegian and Swedish breeding companies, Graminor and Lantmännen. Harper Adam University (UK) and Julius Kühn-Institut (Germany) are international collaborators. SafeOats will develop resistance screening methods in order to facilitate the phase-out of susceptible oat germplasm. Furthermore, SafeOats will give new insight into the biology of F. langsethiae and HT2+T2 accumulation in oats, and thus facilitate the choice of relevant control measures. The results from SafeOats will benefit consumers nationally and internationally by providing tools to increase the share of high quality grain into the food and feed industry. SafeOats is financed by The Foundation for Research Levy on Agricultural Products/Agricultural Agreement Research Fund/Research Council of Norway with support from the industry partners Graminor, Lantmännen, Kimen, Felleskjøpet Agri, Felleskjøpet Rogaland Agder, Fiskå Mølle Moss, Norgesmøllene and Strand Unikorn/Norgesfor.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingeborg Klingen Simon G. Edwards May Bente Brurberg Guro Brodal Toril Eklo Hege Særvold Steen Jafar Razzaghian Elisa Gauslaa Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Torfinn Torp M. Jestoi V.M.T. Lattanzio Sonja Klemsdal C. Waalwijk T. van der Lee Guro BrodalAbstract
During the last ten years, Norwegian cereal grain industry has experienced large challenges due to Fusarium spp. and Fusarium mycotoxin contamination of small-grained cereals. To prevent severely contaminated grain lots from entering the grain supply chain, it is important to establish surveys for the most prevalent Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins. The objective of our study was to quantify and calculate the associations between Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins prevalent in oats and spring wheat. In a 6-year period from 2004-2009, 178 grain samples of spring wheat and 289 samples of oats were collected from farmers’ fields in South East Norway. The grains were analysed for 18 different Fusarium-mycotoxins by liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry. Generally, the median mycotoxin levels were higher than reported in Norwegian studies covering previous years. The DNA content of Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium langsethiae, Fusarium poae and Fusarium avenaceum were determined by quantitative PCR. We identified F. graminearum as the main deoxynivalenol (DON) producer in oats and spring wheat, and F. langsethiae as the main HT-2 and T-2-toxins producer in oats. No association was observed between quantity of F. graminearum DNA and quantity of F. langsethiae DNA nor for their respective mycotoxins, in oats. F. avenaceum was one of the most prevalent Fusarium species in both oats and spring wheat. The following ranking of Fusarium species was made based on the DNA concentrations of the Fusarium spp. analysed in this survey (from high to low): F. graminearum = F. langsethiae = F. avenaceum > F. poae > F. culmorum (oats); F. graminearum = F. avenaceum > F. culmorum > F. poae = F. langsethiae (spring wheat). Our results are in agreement with recently published data indicating a shift in the relative prevalence of Fusarium species towards more F. graminearum versus F. culmorum in Norwegian oats and spring wheat.
Authors
Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Torfinn Torp Guro Brodal Heidi Udnes Aamot Einar Strand Berit Nordskog Ruth Dill-Macky Simon G. Edwards Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
High concentrations of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by Fusarium graminearum have occurred frequently in Norwegian oats recently. Early prediction of DON levels is important for farmers, authorities and the Cereal Industry. In this study, the main weather factors influencing mycotoxin accumulation were identified and two models to predict the risk of DON in oat grains in Norway were developed: (1) as a warning system for farmers to decide if and when to treat with fungicide, and (2) for authorities and industry to use at harvest to identify potential food safety problems. Oat grain samples from farmers’ fields were collected together with weather data (2004–2013). A mathematical model was developed and used to estimate phenology windows of growth stages in oats (tillering, flowering etc.). Weather summarisations were then calculated within these windows, and the Spearman rank correlation factor calculated between DON-contamination in oats at harvest and the weather summarisations for each phenological window. DON contamination was most clearly associated with the weather conditions around flowering and close to harvest. Warm, rainy and humid weather during and around flowering increased the risk of DON accumulation in oats, as did dry periods during germination/seedling growth and tillering. Prior to harvest, warm and humid weather conditions followed by cool and dry conditions were associated with a decreased risk of DON accumulation. A prediction model, including only pre-flowering weather conditions, adequately forecasted risk of DON contamination in oat, and can aid in decisions about fungicide treatments.
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Till Seehusen Heidi Udnes Aamot Hugh Riley Jafar Razzaghian Vinh Hong Le Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Ruth Dill-Macky Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Shiori Koga Heidi Udnes Aamot Ulrike Böcker Erik Lysøe Guro Brodal Ruth Dill-Macky Anne Kjersti UhlenAbstract
The proportion of Norwegian wheat used for food has recently been dramatically lower due to both reduced production and poor quality. Furthermore, the Norwegian milling and baking industries have experienced major challenges in utilizing Norwegian wheat due to the instability of factors, such as protein content and gluten functionality, that are of major importance for baking quality. The variation in the wheat quality can itself cause economic losses for the milling and baking industry due to uncertainty in the marketplace. In the same period as a large variation in baking quality was reported in Norwegian wheat, serious contamination of Fusarium spp. and mycotoxins were observed in some grain lots. We have revealed the severe degradation of gluten proteins in some Norwegian wheat samples leading to an almost complete loss in the gluten functionality. The degradation of the gluten appears to be caused by exogenous proteases, and was associated with the presence of Fusarium spp., and their metabolites, and other microorganisms in the wheat. Increased knowledge is needed to establish the cause of the poor gluten functionality and to develop control measures to reduce the amount of poor quality wheat entering the food value chain. In 2014, a new project was established to generate deeper knowledge in the interface between gluten functionality and effects of Fusarium spp. and other microorganism on wheat quality, and to better utilize Norwegian wheat grown in this challenging environment. A metagenomic analysis, designed to identify microorganisms associated with reduced baking quality, has been undertaken. To study the influence of the identified microorganisms and their metabolites on gluten functionality, wheat plants were inoculated with microorganisms, selected based upon the results of the metagenomics study. Fusarium species are among those microorganisms being tested.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingeborg Klingen SG Edwards May Bente Brurberg Guro Brodal Toril Eklo Hege Særvold Steen Jafar Razzaghian Elisa B. Gauslå Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
The plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium langsethiae produces the highly potent mycotoxins HT-2 and T-2. Since these toxins are frequently detected at high levels in oat grain lots, they pose a considerable risk for food and feed safety in Norway, as well as in other north European countries. To reduce the risk of HT-2/T- 2-contaminated grain lots to enter the food and feed chain, it is important to identify factors that influence F. langsethiae infection and mycotoxin development in oats. However, the epidemiology of F. langsethiae is unclear. A three-year survey was performed to reveal more of the life cycle of F. langsethiae and its interactions with oats, other Fusarium species, as well as insects, mites and weeds. We searched for inoculum sources by quantifying the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in weeds, crop residues, and soil, sampled from a predetermined selection of oat-fields. To be able to define the onset of infection, we analysed the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in oat plant material sampled at selected growth stages (between booting and maturation), as well as the amount of F. langsethiae DNA and HT-2 and T-2 toxins in the mature grain. We also studied the presence of possible insect- and mite vectors sampled at the selected growth stages using Berlese funnel traps. All the different types of materials were also analysed for the presence F. graminearum DNA, the most important deoxynivalenol producer observed in Norwegian cereals, and which presence has shown a striking lack of correlation with the presence F. langsethiae in oat. Preliminary results show that F. langsethiae DNA may occur in the oat plant before heading and flowering. Some F. langsethiae DNA was observed in crop residues and weeds, though at relatively low levels. More results from this work will be presented at the meeting.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingeborg Klingen S.G. Edwards May Bente Brurberg Guro Brodal Toril Eklo Hege Særvold Steen Jafar Razzaghian Elisa B. Gauslå Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
The plant pathogenic fungus Fusarium langsethiae produces the highly potent mycotoxins HT-2 and T-2. Since these toxins are frequently detected at high levels in oat grain lots, they pose a considerable risk for food and feed safety in Norway, as well as in other north European countries. To reduce the risk of HT-2/T- 2-contaminated grain lots to enter the food and feed chain, it is important to identify factors that influence F. langsethiae infection and mycotoxin development in oats. However, the epidemiology of F. langsethiae is unclear. A three-year survey was performed to reveal more of the life cycle of F. langsethiae and its interactions with oats, other Fusarium species, as well as insects, mites and weeds. We searched for inoculum sources by quantifying the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in weeds, crop residues, and soil, sampled from a predetermined selection of oat-fields. To be able to define the onset of infection, we analysed the amount of F. langsethiae DNA in oat plant material sampled at selected growth stages (between booting and maturation), as well as the amount of F. langsethiae DNA and HT-2 and T-2 toxins in the mature grain. We also studied the presence of possible insect- and mite vectors sampled at the selected growth stages using Berlese funnel traps. All the different types of materials were also analysed for the presence F. graminearum DNA, the most important deoxynivalenol producer observed in Norwegian cereals, and which presence has shown a striking lack of correlation with the presence F. langsethiae in oat. Preliminary results show that F. langsethiae DNA may occur in the oat plant before heading and flowering. Some F. langsethiae DNA was observed in crop residues and weeds, though at relatively low levels. More results from this work will be presented at the meeting.
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Todd J. Ward Guro Brodal Trude Vrålstad Gunnar Bræck Larsen Sonja Klemsdal Abdelhameed Elameen Silvio Uhlig Ingerd Skow HofgaardAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Till Seehusen Heidi Udnes Aamot Jafar Razzaghian Vinh Hong Le Hugh Riley Børge Holen Elisa Gauslaa Hege Særvold Steen Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem S.G. Edwards Ruth Dill-Macky Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Mauritz Åssveen Einar Strand Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Mauritz Åssveen Einar Strand Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Anne-Grete Roer Hjelkrem Mauritz Åssveen Einar Strand Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Till Seehusen Heidi Udnes Aamot Unni Abrahamsen Jafar Razzaghian Vinh Hong Le Hugh Riley Einar Strand Elisa Gauslaa Mauritz Åssveen May Bente Brurberg Hege Særvold Steen Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Till Seehusen Heidi Udnes Aamot Unni Abrahamsen Jafar Razzaghian Vinh Hong Le Hugh Riley Einar Strand Elisa Gauslaa Mauritz Åssveen May Bente Brurberg Hege Særvold Steen Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
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Abstract
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Abstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot May Bente Brurberg Anne Marte Tronsmo Sonja Klemsdal Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Heidi Udnes AamotAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Guro Brodal T. Ward Abdelhameed Elameen Trude Vrålstad G. Larsen Per-Erik Clasen Oleif Elen Sonja KlemsdalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Till Seehusen Heidi Udnes Aamot Unni Abrahamsen Jafar Razzaghian Vinh Hong Le Hugh Riley Einar Strand Børge Holen Elisa Gauslaa Tove Kristina Sundgren Mauritz Åssveen Berit Nordskog Hege Særvold Steen Guro BrodalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
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Authors
Heidi Udnes Aamot Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Guro Brodal Oleif Elen M. Jestoi Børge Holen Sonja KlemsdalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Abstract
Fusarium langsethiae is a recently characterized fungus within the genus Fusarium. It is found as a grain contaminant of small grain cereals such as oats and barley, and to a lesser extent wheat. Fusarium langsethiae is particularly widespread in the Nordic countries and the UK where it poses a serious problem as the main producer of T-2 and HT-2 mycotoxins. The biology of F. langsethiae and its interaction with the plant remains poorly understood, partly hampered by difficulties reproducing a natural level of infection under controlled conditions. The reported study was designed as a series of glasshouse experiments to advance our understanding of F. langsethiae biology by investigating alternative infection routes and its proliferation in oats, Avena sativa. Various methods of seed, soil, and seedling inoculation, boot injection and spray inoculation, were tested. The results clearly show a strong preference of F. langsethiae for the panicle, ruling out alternative infection routes. At relatively low temperatures spray infection, accompanied by prolonged humidity, ensured a thorough establishment of the fungus both at flowering and at early dough stage. Boot injection proved to be a reliable working tool for production of an even and predictable grain infection. Apart from in the panicle, considerable fungal proliferation was only detected in flag leaf nodes, and was a direct consequence of the boot injection method. Fungal presence in the node tissue also correlated with significant stunting of infected shoots. In light of the results the pathogenic and endophytic abilities of F. langsethiae are discussed.
Authors
Guro Brodal Oleif Nilsen Elen Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Erik Lysøe Sonja KlemsdalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Authors
Guro Brodal Oleif Nilsen Elen Ingerd Skow Hofgaard Heidi Udnes Aamot Erik Lysøe Sonja KlemsdalAbstract
No abstract has been registered
Adaptations within the Norwegian wheat value chain to improve quality and obtain high and stable quantities for milling in the forthcoming decades (MATHVETE)
This project aims to improve the quality of Norwegian wheat used for milling to secure high and stable production in forthcoming decades under more challenging climatic conditions. Increasing wheat production for milling is the most efficient way to achieve increased domestic food production in Norway and it will strengthen the competitiveness in the agricultural sector.
Division of Food Production and Society
Climate resilient and market adapted Norwegian winter wheat production
Interest in winter wheat is growing in Norway. Climate change is expected to expand the wheat producing regions, yet warmer, wetter conditions in autumn and winter will increase soil erosion and nutrient loss risks.