A single nucleotide polymorphism in the translation elongation factor 1α gene correlates with the ability to produce fumonisin in Japanese Fusarium fujikuroi

•PCR-RFLP was developed to identify Fusarium fujikuroi.•Ninety-three strains were obtained from various sources in Japan.•Fumonisin production was detected in 50 strains, but undetectable in 43 strains.•A single nucleotide polymorphism in the TEF gene coincided with fumonisin production.

PCR–RFLP based on the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF) gene was developed to identify Fusarium fujikuroi in the Fusarium (Gibberella) fujikuroi species complex. Ninety-three strains, most of which were obtained from various sources in Japan, were identified as F. fujikuroi and their capability to produce fumonisin was investigated using an in vitro assay. Fumonisin production was detected in 50 strains isolated from maize, strawberry, wheat, and rice, whereas it was undetectable in 43 strains derived from rice seeds and rice seedlings carrying the bakanae disease, and from unknown sources. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the TEF gene (T618G) correlated with the ability to synthesize fumonisin.