ARS | Publication request: Mycotoxins in Developing Countries: a Case Study of Maize in Nepal

Submitted to: Mycotoxin Research
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: May 4, 2006
Publication Date: June 1, 2006
Citation: Desjardins, A.E., Busman, M. 2006. Mycotoxins in developing countries: A case study of maize in Nepal [abstract]. Mycotoxin Research. 22(2):92-95.

Technical Abstract: For both developed and developing countries, mycotoxin management begins in the field with improved farming practices and improved crop plants with increased resistance to insect damage, fungal infection, and mycotoxin production. Mycotoxin management continues with improved harvesting practices and storage conditions. For developing countries in particular, simpler and less expensive methods are needed to monitor mycotoxins in maize and other grains. More information is needed on populations of mycotoxigenic fungi worldwide to better understand how these species have co-evolved with crop plants, especially as new crops have spread throughout the world during the 500 years since Columbus. With both science and common sense as guides, the benefits of a food supply with reduced mycotoxins must be weighed against the monetary costs of mycotoxin management to farmers, agricultural industries, governments, and consumers, especially in developing countries.