Toxigenic Fungi and Mycotoxins

Dear Colleagues,

There are an estimated 1.5 million species of fungi, of which toxigenic fungi including plant pathogens, fungi that thrive and generate mycotoxins on cellular senescence or stressed plants, fungi that invade crops early and make feedstock more vulnerable to contamination after harvesting and fungi existing in decaying plants or soil debris that arise on emerging kernels. Toxigenic fungi are identified on the basis of their colony morphology, species-specific PCR primers targeting ITS regions and the amplification of cluster genes involved in mycotoxin synthesis pathways. Toxigenic fungi, particularly those from the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium, accumulate secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins during target infection. A huge range of toxic effects of mycotoxins are reported in people exposed to cereals contaminated with mycotoxins, including mild gastrointestinal infection, growth retardation, immunosuppression, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, etc. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose the toxigenic fungi and minimize mycotoxin levels.

In recent years, the development of molecular biology tools has led to the development of faster, more reliable diagnostic techniques for toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins, providing valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying diagnosis and biocontrol. The aim of this Special Issue is to characterize the morphogenesis and pathogenicity of toxigenic fungi, biosynthesis of mycotoxins and toxic effects of mycotoxins through comprehensive reviews, original studies and novel perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Zhenhong Zhuang
Guest Editor

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