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Factors That Affect the Occurrence of Fumonisin

Summary

This research explains how environmental conditions affect the production of dangerous fungal toxins called fumonisins in corn. Understanding these factors is crucial for food safety and public health. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps farmers choose appropriate corn varieties for their climate to reduce toxic contamination • Improves food safety by identifying conditions that increase toxin risk • Guides agricultural practices to minimize crop contamination • Contributes to cancer prevention in regions where corn is a dietary staple • Influences food storage and processing requirements

Background

Fusarium ear rots of corn occur in two main forms – Gibberella ear rot and Fusarium ear rot – which are caused by different species growing under distinct environmental conditions. Understanding these conditions is crucial for managing fumonisin contamination in corn.

Objective

To analyze and explain the environmental and biological factors that influence the occurrence of fumonisin mycotoxins in corn, with particular focus on the growth conditions of different Fusarium species and their relationship to disease development.

Results

F. graminearum grows optimally between 26-28°C and requires rainfall during silking and disease development. F. verticillioides thrives at higher temperatures, with fumonisin production associated with drought stress and insect damage. In southern Transkei’s high esophageal cancer areas, conditions favor F. verticillioides, while nearby low-cancer regions have cooler temperatures favoring F. graminearum.

Conclusion

The best strategies for reducing fumonisin risk in maize include ensuring hybrids are properly adapted to their environment, minimizing drought stress, and controlling insect damage. Alternative approaches, such as developing hybrids with fumonisin-degrading enzymes, may be necessary. Traditional breeding for resistance has shown limited success, possibly due to the mutualistic relationship between F. verticillioides and corn.
  • Published in:Environmental Health Perspectives,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1289/ehp.01109s2321
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