Author
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Plattner, Ronald |
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Submitted to: Panamerican Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 9/11/1997 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme, a fungus which is commonly associated with maize. This fungus has been associated with stalk rot, seedling blight, and ear and root rots as well as animal diseases. F. moniliforme and fumonisins have had considerable attention because of reports that link them with high rates of esophageal cancer. Studies presently underway are designed to provide a sound scientific basis for human risk assessment of the dangers of exposure to fumonisins. Fumonisin biological activity is thought to be caused by its ability to inhibit a key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis and metabolism. Because the fungus is quite common on maize, control of fumonisins in maize is expected to be a difficult problem. Research is underway in our laboratories to develop strategies to eliminate, or at least minimize, fumonisin levels in maize. As a result of this work, we have determined that the concentration of fumonisins in maize is not uniformly distributed, rather that most of the fumonisins are in visibly symptomatic kernels. |
