*2.3.1* F. verticillioides

*F. verticillioides* causes Fusarium ear (characterized by discolored and a reduced number of grains), and stalk rot which leads to global significant losses of maize [45]. It is one of the most prevalent disease causing agent in maize (*Zea mays* L.). Fusarium ear/stalk rot is common during hot and dry weather, both pre and postharvest conditions. Fumonisins are carcinogenic [46, 47], and are produced in large amounts in maize and contaminates maize based food and feed, therefore they are of high importance to farmers [43, 44].

#### *2.3.2* F. graminearum

Maize kernels contaminated with *F. graminearum* results in a moldy kernels called Gibberella ear rot. This organism also produces mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol and zearalenone), toxic to humans and farm animals when consumed. This fungus often starts infecting the tip of an ear when it starts silking during the cool and wet weather, [48].
