Reduction of toxigenic Fusarium species and their mycotoxins in production of safe cereal-based foods

The aim of this project is to develop already existing and novel solutions based on multidisciplinary and integrated approaches to reduce both, the incidence of Fusarium species and mycotoxins contamination of cereals in the agro-food/feed system in Serbia. In the course of the project, studies will concentrate essentially on contamination of maize, wheat and barley caused by Fusarium species and fusariotoxins with a special attention to zearalenone, trichothecenes and fumonisin B1. Fusariotoxins may severely affect human and animal health. However, little information is available concerning the factors that may influence the spread and growth of the relevant toxigenic Fusarium species and mycotoxins in Serbia. Representative cereal samples collected from the field, storages and markets will be analysed and precise quantification of the contamination level will allow the overview of Fusarium/mycotoxin diversity and the risk for human and animal health. Results will provide data on the prevalence and dynamics of Fusarium species and their mycotoxins in the different regions. This project will integrate the risk analysis with a range of control strategies for the prevention of these fungi and their mycotoxins entering the cereal-based feed and food. By the identification of the critical control in the agro-food/feed system using biological control and physical and chemical treatments, as well as using decontamination strategies, the entry into the food chain will be prevented.