Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that coloni...Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that colonize agricultural commodities. Pre- and postharvest contamination of aflatoxin is a major health concern in Africa where maize production and consumption have increased significantly over the years. Efforts to reduce aflatoxin in maize through various strategies such as breeding for resistance, improved agronomic practices, cultural harvesting and postharvest handling practices, and the use of bio-control agents are available. Some of these control practices are not well known by smallholder farmers. Important pre- and postharvest practices, in addition to the stringent food safety regulations and monitoring, are not undertaken as a result of various factors such as a lack of awareness and training, and the high cost of awareness and sensitization drives. The climate changes scenarios including El Nino are also factors to be considered. However, continued use of sustainable and effective low-cost management practices by small scale farmers are possible ways of reducing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This review attempts to highlight low-cost, affordable and practical management options at pre- and postharvest in maize. Sound low-cost management practices are possible ways of reducing the risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination that are relevant to the Africa context. This review would be useful and guided prioritization of development activities, continuous awareness creation and training and future research.展开更多
文摘Mycotoxins/aflatoxins contaminations in some food commodities seriously impact human and animal health and reduce the commercial value of crops. Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that colonize agricultural commodities. Pre- and postharvest contamination of aflatoxin is a major health concern in Africa where maize production and consumption have increased significantly over the years. Efforts to reduce aflatoxin in maize through various strategies such as breeding for resistance, improved agronomic practices, cultural harvesting and postharvest handling practices, and the use of bio-control agents are available. Some of these control practices are not well known by smallholder farmers. Important pre- and postharvest practices, in addition to the stringent food safety regulations and monitoring, are not undertaken as a result of various factors such as a lack of awareness and training, and the high cost of awareness and sensitization drives. The climate changes scenarios including El Nino are also factors to be considered. However, continued use of sustainable and effective low-cost management practices by small scale farmers are possible ways of reducing the risk of aflatoxin contamination. This review attempts to highlight low-cost, affordable and practical management options at pre- and postharvest in maize. Sound low-cost management practices are possible ways of reducing the risk for fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination that are relevant to the Africa context. This review would be useful and guided prioritization of development activities, continuous awareness creation and training and future research.
