MYCOtoxin REDuction in maize and wheat: a predictive approach

MYCORED is a 7° FP large collaborative project funded by EC aimed at developing strategic solutions to reduce mycotoxin contamination in economically important food and feed chains. Wheat and maize are important crops considered in the project due to relevance for human and animal consumption and since causing major mycotoxin safety concerns worldwide. In particular, deoxynivalnol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) are secondary metabolites associated to Fusarium head blight (FHB), a wheat ear disease caused by a complex of Fusaria. Fumonisins (FUM) and aflatoxins (AFs), whose main producers are respectively F. verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus, are crucial problems in maize. A specific work package in MYCORED is aimed to develop and validate predictive models for these relevant fungi to forecast the risk of mycotoxin contamination in different geographic areas and years mainly based on meteorological conditions. A rational approach was elaborated and adopted by all countries involved (Italy, United Kingdom, Hungary, Russia, Egypt, Mexico, Nigeria, Argentina) in order to collect samples and data useful for models validation. Specific protocols were developed for crop sampling at harvest, proper questionnaires were prepared to collect cropping system data and suitable stations were selected for meteorological data. A proper data base was prepared and data storage is ongoing. A web access to predictive models is under development. Based on the first 2-year data (2009-2010), FHB model validation gave encouraging results, with good predictions in all the countries involved. More efforts are requested regarding maize, because the contribute of meteorological data seems not sufficient for a reliable prediction of FUM and AFs contamination at harvest.