Abstract
Mould growth and mycotoxin production are related to plant stress caused by environmental factors
such as: extreme weather; insect damage; inadequate storage conditions and incorrect fertilization;
these predispose plants to mycotoxin contamination in the field. Fusarium species infect wheat during
the flowering period. In addition to losses of yield, these fungi can also synthesize toxic components
(mycotoxins) in suitable environmental conditions, thus threatening animal and human health. Given
the severe consequences and because mycotoxins affect production throughout the world, the ability
to predict Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) and other mycotoxin contamination is
important to reduce the year-to-year risk for producers. Owing to these dangerous consequences in
Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the United States and in Europe, computer models, based on weather
variables (temperature, rainfall and moisture level), have been developed to predict the occurrence of
FHB and DON contamination in wheat.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 927-931 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Food and Chemical Toxicology |
Volume | 2009 |
Publication status | Published - 2009 |
Keywords
- Fusarium
- Micotoxin
- Wheat