Fusarium

Fusarium (; Audio:) is a large genus of filamentous fungi, part of a group often referred to as hyphomycetes, widely distributed in soil and associated with plants. The name of Fusarium comes from Latin fusus, meaning a spindle. Most species in Genus Fusarium are harmless saprobes found in relative abundance in the soil microbial community, and some exist as commensal members of the skin microbiome. Some species produce mycotoxins in cereal crops that can affect human and animal health if they enter the food chain; the main toxins produced by Fusarium species are the fumonisin and trichothecene families, and zearalenone. Despite most species being harmless, some Fusarium species and subspecific groups are among the most important fungal pathogens of plants and animals.