Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species associated with grain crops in South Africa – a review
Date
2017
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
Cereal grains include some of the most important crops grown in South Africa and play a major role in the local economy. Maize, wheat and sorghum are extensively consumed by humans and farm animals, and are also utilised in industrial processes. Grain crops that are grown commercially contribute up to 33% of the country’s total gross agricultural production, whereas subsistence farmers grow grains mainly to sustain their families. In rural communities an average intake of maize grain of more than 300 g dry weight per person per day is not uncommon. The production of grains is often constrained by pests and diseases that may reduce their yields and quality. In South Africa, 33 mycotoxin-producing Fusarium species have been associated with grain crops. Mycotoxins, such as fumonisins and deoxynivalenol, have been found in levels exceeding the maximum levels imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Union and therefore pose a serious public health concern. We provide an extensive overview of mycotoxigenic Fusarium species associated with grain crops in South Africa, with particular reference to maize, wheat and sorghum.
Description
CITATION: Beukes, I., et al. 2017. Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species associated with grain crops in South Africa – a review. South African Journal of Science, 113((3/4), Art. #2016-0121, doi:10.17159/sajs.2017/20160121.
The original publication is available at http://sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at http://sajs.co.za
Keywords
Grain -- Diseases and pests, Toxigenic fungi, Mycotoxin contamination, Plant diseases, Mycotoxigenic Fusarium
Citation
Beukes, I., et al. 2017. Mycotoxigenic Fusarium species associated with grain crops in South Africa – a review. South African Journal of Science, 113((3/4), Art. #2016-0121, doi:10.17159/sajs.2017/20160121