A phage-displayed chicken single-chain antibody fused to alkaline phosphatase detects Fusarium pathogens and their presence in cereal grains

► Generation of a highly reactive scFv antibody against F. verticillioides. ► Localization of the antibody binding to the surface target of F. verticillioides. ► Expression of the antibody-alkaline phosphatase (AP) fusion linked by a 218 linker. ► The antibody-AP fusion has a higher affinity than the parental antibody. ► The antibody-AP fusion detects toxigenic Fusarium pathogens in cereal grains.