ATP citrate lyase 1 (acl1) gene-based loop-mediated amplification assay for the detection of the Fusarium tricinctum species complex in pure cultures and in cereal samples

► Phylogenetic relations within the F. tricinctum/F. avenaceum complex of species are analyzed. ► LAMP primers binding to the acl1 gene of F. tricinctum are designed and tested. ► F. tricinctum isolates can be distinguished from F. avenaceum. ► The LAMP assay was used to identify mycelia directly from pure cultures, no DNA extraction was necessary. ► Usefulness of the assay to detect F. tricinctum infection of cereal grains was demonstrated.