Mycotoxins in small grains and maize: old problems, new challenges.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Food Safety
• Toxicology

Background:

• Chronic contamination of small grains and maize with deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin presents ongoing challenges.
• The use of ensiled cereals in cool dairy regions introduces specific mycotoxin concerns, including Penicillium toxins.
• Existing uncertainties in tolerable daily intakes for DON and fumonisin impact regulatory frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review challenges associated with chronic mycotoxin contamination in cereals.
• To discuss the implications of climate change on mycotoxin formation.
• To highlight the importance of predictive modeling and address under-researched areas like Penicillium toxins in silage.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on deoxynivalenol, fumonisin, and Penicillium toxin contamination.
• Analysis of the impact of climate change variables (rainfall, drought) on mycotoxin production.
• Discussion of the role of predictive modeling in mycotoxin risk management.

Main Results:

• Extreme weather events driven by climate change are increasing the prevalence of deoxynivalenol (rainfall) and fumonisin (drought).
• Predictive models using weather data are essential for anticipating and managing mycotoxin accumulation.
• Chronic silage contamination with Penicillium toxins requires further investigation due to economic and milk purity implications.

Conclusions:

• Climate change necessitates advanced strategies, including predictive modeling, to mitigate risks from cereal mycotoxins.
• Accurate risk assessment and management are vital for food security, particularly in developing nations.
• Further research into Penicillium toxins in silage is needed to understand their impact on dairy production.