Reduction of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi in the Mediterranean basin maize chain

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2012Suggested citation
Marín Sillué, Sònia;
Ramos Girona, Antonio J.;
Cano Sancho, German;
Sanchís Almenar, Vicente;
.
(2012)
.
Reduction of mycotoxins and toxigenic fungi in the Mediterranean basin maize chain.
Phytopathologia Mediterranea, 2012, vol. 51, núm. 1, p. 93-118.
https://doi.org/10.14601/Phytopathol_Mediterr-9411.
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The main mycotoxigenic fungi found in maize in the Mediterranean basin include Aspergillus section
Flavi and several Fusarium species, Fusarium section Liseola being the more widespread. While Aspergillus section
Flavi species can develop in the field or in stored maize in Mediterranean countries, Fusarium species colonise
maize ears in the field. As a consequence, fumonisins are the major contaminants in Mediterranean maize, together
with aflatoxins. The prevalence of Fusarium section Liseola in the Mediterranean countries is closely linked to the
activity of insects such as Sesamia nonagrioides and Ostrinia nubilalis. The incidence of the different mycotoxigenic
fungi and mycotoxins across the Mediterranean countries is extensively reviewed in this work. Furthermore, both
pre- and postharvest strategies to reduce the presence of such toxins in the maize chain are described. Finally, the
incidence and levels of mycotoxins encountered in maize products intended for direct human consumption in
the Mediterranean countries are also assessed; they are much lower than those in maize grain as a result of food
processing technologies.