Etiology and management of aflatoxin contamination

Peter J. Cotty, Claudia Probst, Ramon Jaime-Garcia

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

85 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aflatoxins are potent poisons that contaminate crops in warm regions worldwide and reduce health and economic welfare in several portions of Africa. Crops are contaminated in two phases: (i) Aspergillus species infect crops during development; and (ii) after maturation contamination builds during exposure to warm humid conditions. Identification of the exact fungi causing contamination can provide clues to management strategies. Crops usually are infected by complex mixtures of aflatoxin-producing and closely related fungi. Among these are atoxigenic strains that produce no aflatoxins. In the United States atoxigenic strains are used to reduce contamination. Such technologies also may have value in Africa

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMycotoxins
Subtitle of host publicationDetection Methods, Management, Public Health and Agricultural Trade
PublisherCABI Publishing
Pages287-299
Number of pages13
ISBN (Print)9781845930820
StatePublished - May 29 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Veterinary
  • General Environmental Science
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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