Author
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Kendra, David |
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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 11/25/2003 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: The worldwide contamination of foods and feeds with mycotoxins is a serious health problem. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring, low-molecular-weight, secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that adversely affect humans, animals, and crops by causing illnesses and economic losses. Losses occur from reduced grain quality, reduced animal productivity and from monitoring and diverting contaminated grain from the human food supply. The goal of our research program is to develop strategies to reduce or eliminate mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus and Fusarium as well as plant diseases caused by these fungi. Our research focuses on four main areas including: 1.) developing new methods to accurately and quickly detect mycotoxins; 2.) determining the genetic and biochemical basis for fumonisin and trichothecene production; 3.) identifying genes to enhance host-plant resistance and 4.) understanding the diversity, dissemination and competitive interactions of toxigenic and atoxigenic fungi in the field. The first essential step to reducing exposure to mycotoxins is assessment of the level of contamination. Technologies being developed in our lab range from those which can be quickly conducted with minimal technical expertise, such as immunoassays and biosensors, to confirmatory procedures requiring extensively trained personnel. |
