Abstract
During the last decade, there have been many advances in research and technology that have greatly contributed to expanded capabilities and knowledge in detection and measurement, characterization, biosynthesis, and management of mycotoxins in maize. MycoKey, an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project, was established to advance knowledge and technology transfer around the globe to address mycotoxin impacts in key food and feed chains. MycoKey included several working groups comprising international experts in different fields of mycotoxicology. The MycoKey Maize Working Group recently convened to gather information and strategize for the development and implementation of solutions to the maize mycotoxin problem in light of current and emerging technologies. This feature summarizes the Maize WG discussion and recommendations for addressing mycotoxin problems in maize. Discussions focused on aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and zearalenone, which are the most widespread and persistently important mycotoxins in maize. Although regional differences were recognized, there was consensus about many of the priorities for research and effective management strategies. For preharvest management, genetic resistance and selecting adapted maize genotypes, along with insect management, were among the most fruitful strategies identified across the mycotoxin groups. For postharvest management, the most important practices included timely harvest, rapid grain drying, grain cleaning, and carefully managed storage conditions. Remediation practices such as optical sorting, density separation, milling, and chemical detoxification were also suggested. Future research and communication priorities included advanced breeding technologies, development of risk assessment tools, and the development and dissemination of regionally relevant management guidelines.
Highlights
Our perception of the role of mycotoxins in food and feed safety has evolved continuously since the 1960s when mycotoxins were first explicitly recognized
Efforts to manage mycotoxin risks in maize have focused on these compounds and the fungi that produce them; primarily, Aspergillus flavus (Fig. 1a), Fusarium graminearum (Fig. 1b, c), and F. verticillioides (Fig. 1d, e, f)
Toxicity of nine fungicides to F. verticillioides and F. graminearum were tested in the lab and in the field for efficacy of control of maize ear rot in China
Summary
Large-scale use of maize germplasm with increased provitamin A may contribute to reduce aflatoxin exposure in African nations and elsewhere. Both biotic and abiotic—that influence contamination events (Mahuku et al 2019; Munkvold 2003c). Aflasafe products have been developed, carefully tested, and registered with national biopesticide regulatory authorities for use in maize in Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi (Moral et al 2020). To increase production and distribution of Aflasafe, IITA has transferred the technology to public or private entities in Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tanzania, for manufacture and distribution, and to raise awareness about the aflatoxin problem and its impact on health. The F. graminearum species complex was dominant in 2011, but in 2012, F. verticillioides was the dominant species (Guo et al 2014)
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