Mycotoxins and weather

What is it about?

Synthesis of secondary metabolites of fungi is influenced by different factors. Environment and weather are the most significant. Therefore, the climate situation is very important, and in this connection, all the changes that are happening. Although there are unexpected incidences, at least in the expected part, it is necessary to develop the possibilities for predicting contamination with mycotoxins and, on the basis of this, to create strategies for fighting and prevention.

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Why is it important?

We are witnessing climate change. Therefore, future risk assessment should involve a wider concept, as new mycotoxins could arise for new fungus and plant associations, making the occurrence of new mycotoxins or mycotoxins not yet considered as harmful. Such investigations, including climate projection, crop phenology and fungal/mycotoxin prediction, would be necessary and highly beneficial for different stakeholders. Farmers would use predictions for decision making on the application of preventing measures, using the most accurate predictions available at that critical growing stage. The feed and food industry may use it to focus their inspections and decide on the buying, routing and processing of batches. Food safety authorities are expected to improve inspection efficiency based on mycotoxin predictions in constructing their yearly monitoring plan. Interdisciplinary principle is the key to start the downward trend in mycotoxin contamination of food and feed. Usually, the road motive is the economic effect that is achieved in this way, but above all, human and animal health is priceless.

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