Peremore, ChizneVan't Hof, CairinNkosi, Cebo-LeNkosiTshiyoyo, Kadima SamuelRatsoma, Francinah M.Kola, WiselyMalgas, SamkeloSantana, Quentin C.Wingfield, Brenda D.Steenkamp, Emma TheodoraMotaung, Thabiso Eric2025-09-192025-09-192025Chizné Peremore, Cairin van ‘t Hof, Cebo-LeNkosi Nkosi, Kadima Tshiyoyo, Francinah M. Ratsoma, Wisely Kola, Samkelo Malgas, Quentin Santana, Brenda Wingfield, Emma T. Steenkamp & Thabiso E. Motaung (2025) Biofilm characterisation of the maize rot-causing pathogen, Fusarium verticillioides, Biofouling, 41:6, 586-605, DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2025.2512097.0892-7014 (print)1029-2454 (online)10.1080/08927014.2025.2512097http://hdl.handle.net/2263/104405Biofilm formation was investigated in a maize rot-causing pathogen, Fusarium verticillioides. This work revealed that in vitro cultures produce structured, adherent communities with a dense extracellular matrix (ECM) surrounding hyphae that makes up the biomass of a matured biofilm. Pellicle containing exopolysaccharide had a hydrodynamic diameter of 4.19 nm and a low viscosity (0.022 dl/g). The exopolysaccharide was composed of amino sugars and unordered, facilitating stability through complexation with the anionic eDNA. Biofilm formation varied over different pH and temperature values, emphasising its role in promoting adaption, survival, and persistence in F. verticillioides, potentially contributing to its pathogenicity in maize. Collectively, the results provide valuable insights into biofilm structure and stress resistance in this fungus, and will serve as a foundation for future studies incorporating in planta infection systems.en© 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).BiofilmFusarium verticillioidesExtracellular polymeric substancesExtracellular DNAVirulence factorsMaize rot-causing pathogenArticle