Review of predictive models for Fusarium head blightand related mycotoxin contamination in wheat

Mould growth and mycotoxin production are related to plant stress caused by environmental factors\r\nsuch as: extreme weather; insect damage; inadequate storage conditions and incorrect fertilization;\r\nthese predispose plants to mycotoxin contamination in the field. Fusarium species infect wheat during\r\nthe flowering period. In addition to losses of yield, these fungi can also synthesize toxic components\r\n(mycotoxins) in suitable environmental conditions, thus threatening animal and human health. Given\r\nthe severe consequences and because mycotoxins affect production throughout the world, the ability\r\nto predict Fusarium head blight (FHB) and deoxynivalenol (DON) and other mycotoxin contamination is\r\nimportant to reduce the year-to-year risk for producers. Owing to these dangerous consequences in\r\nArgentina, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the United States and in Europe, computer models, based on weather\r\nvariables (temperature, rainfall and moisture level), have been developed to predict the occurrence of\r\nFHB and DON contamination in wheat.