Fusarium and fumonisins in maize in South America

Abstract

This chapter is intended to show the progress in the study of Fusarium species and fumonisins in maize and maize based products in South America. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the main cereal grain produced worldwide and South America occupied an important position as producer and exporter of this cereal. Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species including F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum which are the main species isolated from amize in the area. Natural contamination with fumonisins have been observed in maize and by-products harvested in different harvest seasons in South America, using HPLC and ELISA as method of analysis. Studies have been done on the effect of water activities, temperature and chemical compounds (antioxidants) on fumonisin production by Fusarium species isolated from maize. Propyl paraben and hydroxianisole were effective in controlling toxin production. Studies on reduction of fumonisin during processing showed that sorting, cleaning and milling can reduce the entry of these toxins to the food and feed chains. Studies on biological effects of fumonisins showed that fumonisins have immunomodulatory effects in rat. Also co-exposure to fumonisins and aflatoxin B1 produced a higher liver toxicity. Further studies on Fusarium and fumonisins in maize are in progress.