Fusarium species in sandy soil from Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The presence of the genus Fusarium was investigated in sandy soil from Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil during a period of one year in order to determine the diversity, and seasonal distribution of species. A total of 123 strains were isolated, for a total of 34 different species, with higher incidence in spring and winter. The species detected in greater numbers during the various seasons of the year were, in decreasing order, F. solani var. solani, F. oxysporum var. oxysporum and F. sacchari var. subglutinans, described in the literature (GUARRO and GENE 1992) as infectious agents for humans and animals. Few species were detected in summer and fall, probably due to the higher rainfull occurring during these seasons.