Aflatoxins and fumonisins in maize under a climate change scenario: Biocontrol strategies at the pre-harvest stage

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals around the world since it is widely used for food and feed. This cereal is relevant to the economy of several countries due to its volume of production and exportation. During pre-harvest stages this crop is susceptible to infection by species of Aspergillus section Flavi and Fusarium and prone to mycotoxin contamination, mainly aflatoxins and fumonisins. Additionally, the climate change scenario predicted for next decades, including increases in the global temperature, CO2 levels and periods of hydric stress, would contribute to higher levels of mycotoxins worldwide. In this context, there is a need to find successful, feasible and eco-friendly tools for an effective mycotoxin mitigation in order to guarantee food security and safety. This review summarises the current situation of aflatoxin and fumonisin contamination in maize, highlighting the importance of the evaluation and implementation of biocontrol strategies at pre-harvest stage in the frame of an integrated control management to reduce the impact of mycotoxin accumulation under the risk of climate change expected for the next years.