Results
Title

Climate Change and Effects on Molds and Mycotoxins.

Authors

Zingales, Veronica; Taroncher, Mercedes; Martino, Piera Anna; Ruiz, María-José; Caloni, Francesca

Abstract

Earth's climate is undergoing adverse global changes as an unequivocal result of anthropogenic activity. The occurring environmental changes are slowly shaping the balance between plant growth and related fungal diseases. Climate (temperature, available water, and light quality/quantity; as well as extreme drought, desertification, and fluctuations of humid/dry cycles) represents the most important agroecosystem factor influencing the life cycle stages of fungi and their ability to colonize crops, survive, and produce toxins. The ability of mycotoxigenic fungi to respond to Climate Change (CC) may induce a shift in their geographical distribution and in the pattern of mycotoxin occurrence. The present review examines the available evidence on the impact of CC factors on growth and mycotoxin production by the key mycotoxigenic fungi belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium, which include several species producing mycotoxins of the greatest concern worldwide: aflatoxins (AFs), ochratoxins, and fumonisins (FUMs).

Subjects

MYCOTOXINS; DESERTIFICATION; CLIMATE change; TOXIGENIC fungi; DROUGHT management; OCHRATOXINS; FUMONISINS; MYCOSES

Publication

Toxins, 2022, Vol 14, Issue 7, pN.PAG

ISSN

2072-6651

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.3390/toxins14070445