Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are mycotoxins, predominantly produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. pseudotamarii. AFs are carcinogenic compounds causing liver cancer in humans and animals. Physical and biological factors significantly affect AF production during the pre-and post-harvest time. Several methodologies have been developed to control AF contamination, yet; they are usually expensive and unfriendly to the environment. Consequently, interest in using biocontrol agents has increased, as they are convenient, advanced, and friendly to the environment. Using non-aflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus (AF−) as biocontrol agents is the most promising method to control AFs’ contamination in cereal crops. AF− strains cannot produce AFs due to the absence of polyketide synthase genes or genetic mutation. AF− strains competitively exclude the AF+ strains in the field, giving an extra advantage to the stored grains. Several microbiological, molecular, and field-based approaches have been used to select a suitable biocontrol agent. The effectiveness of biocontrol agents in controlling AF contamination could reach up to 99.3%. Optimal inoculum rate and a perfect time of application are critical factors influencing the efficacy of biocontrol agents.
Highlights
Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. pseudotamarii [1,2]
According to El-Serag [29], Bruix et al [30], and Yoshida et al [31], AFB1 exposure could increase the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk for up to 30 times, in those who infected with hepatitis B virus
Dorner et al [99] reported the reduction of AFs concentrations between 74.3% and 99.8% in peanut crop when they applied the AF− strains with non-aflatoxigenic strains of A. parasiticus
Summary
Aflatoxins (AFs) are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus flavus, A. parasiticus, A. nomius, and A. pseudotamarii [1,2]. AFs are mutagenic, teratogenic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic compounds, causing severe diseases in humans, poultry, fishes, and cattle under long-term exposure [18,19]. The inhalation of dust contaminated by AFB1 may cause tumors in humans’ respiratory tracts [32]. Acute aflatoxicosis is distinguished by a high-dose exposure of AFB1 for a short time, causing hepatotoxicity [35,36]. Chronic aflatoxicosis is a low-dose exposure for a long duration, causing cancer and other severe diseases in humans. The inhalation of AFB1-contaminated dust is an excellent example of direct exposure to AFs, resulting in the tumor in the human respiratory tract. Countries where strict rules for AFs are not implemented, resulting in high health risks related to AFs exposure. Every country should implement strict rules for AF levels in their food products [47]
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