Novel integrated strategies for worldwide mycotoxin reduction in food and feed chains

2009 - 2013

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Results at 18 Months

Main results achieved at 18 Months

 WP1    
The different methodologies for inoculation of wheat cultivars correlated well in the first two years indicating that different methodologies might bring similar results in variety testing for Fusarium resistance. In maize the picture is less clear. The QTLs from Sumai 3 in function differ, but in effect similar, the co-operation of the QTLs bring the real breakthrough in resistance breeding in wheat. In the Hobbit-sib series several new FHB QTLs were described. In F. verticillioides resistance in maize 816 genes showed up- or down-regulation after inoculation and 671 sequences were differentially expressed.The FUM20 gene was highlighted in the FUM cluster of ngenes. In fungicide technology a significant improvement was made, a better nozzle composition was developed causing 50 % additional reduction compared to the best technology found until now. In maize the fungicide effect is less than in wheat, but significant. In wheat no significant translocation was found.

WP2   
 Antagonist treatments in maize and peanuts strongly reduced aflatoxin concentrations in grain at harvest as well after storage. Some antagonists reduced Fusarium spp. in stubble of maize. The disease level in wheat was low so that no effects of control measures could be assessed.

WP3    
FHB-wheat model was validated with data collected in the project and it showed good prediction of DON contamination in wheat at harvest. All data available useful for the development of predictive models for FUM and AFs in maize, OTA in grapes were collected and stored. A data base was filled with all meteorological data related to sampling points and all cropping system and mycotoxin contamination data of wheat, maize and grapes.

WP4   
 The relationship between environmental conditions, DML and mycotoxin contamination levels were modelled to determine the threshold losses which could be tolerated in relation to the EU legislative limits for wheat (DON), maize (Fumonisins) and hazelnuts (aflatoxins) for the first time. O3 is able to inhibit spore germination of A.flavus, but has little effect on mycelia growth. However, there are effects on sporulation and aflatoxin production in vitro. A range of novel compounds to treat grain post-harvest have been identified in relation to inhibition of mycotoxin production in the chosen food chains. The developed sensor device has been developed and the system successfully tested in pilot scale silos.

WP5   
 Agricultural by products and commercial products were classified for their ability to bind in vitro simultaneously aflatoxins B1, ZEA, FB1, OTA and DON. Some yeast strains were selected for their ability to detoxify aflatoxins B1. The efficacy and safety of food processing procedures in reducing mycotoxin content has been initiated. Sulphuration dehulling/peeling and sorting significantly reduced the content of aflatoxins B1 of apricot seed reduced aflatoxins B1 (75-91%).

WP6  
 A number of 602 strains of Aspergillus, 209 strains of Penicillia and 340 strains of Fusarium were newly included in the ITEM culture collection. AFLP typing and sequencing of calmodulin, β-tubulin and elongation factor genes of Aspergillus strains from isolated from grapes revealed clear phylogenetic groupings, which corresponds with the ability to produce ochratoxin A. Specific PCR systems and for type A trichothecene producing Fusaria, like F. sporotrichioides and F. langsethiae have been developed. Both species could be distinguished by highly specific Real Time PCR reactions. For potentially ochratoxin A producing Aspergilli Section Nigri High Resolution Melting analysis approaches have been set up.

Furthermore it could be shown that external abiotic stress factors have a strong influence on ochratoxin and aflatoxin biosynthesis by controlling the transcription of the respective biosynthetic genes. With light of certain wave length as an external stress factor ochratoxin A production can be completely stopped.

WP7 
 Quantitative analysis of over 250 metabolites has been feasible and has been applied to over 500 samples. DON- and ZON- conjugates occur less frequent and at lower concentrations compared to the parent toxins. A clean-up based on a multi-toxin immunoaffinity column enables the determination of mycotoxin biomarkers in urine at the (sub-)ppb level. Rapid test kits were found to be fit for purpose for various matrices with cross reactivities against 15-Ac-DON, DOM-1 and DON-3-Glucoside.

WP8   
 International Conference in Europe (more than 400 participants) has been organized, and Workshops (Hungary and Argentina), training course (Argentina) and home education (Argentina and China), 16 Short Term Visits running, 2 international Twinnings with Canada and Argentina, about 15 scientific alliances and agreements with international experts and organizations, promotional materials (brochure, poster), project’s website.





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