Infection of maize by Fusarium species and contamination with fumonisin in africa

Abstract

Fusarium is one of the major fungal genera associated with maize in Africa. This genus comprises 
several toxigenic species including F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum, which are the most prolific 
producers of fumonisins. The fumonisins are a group of economically important mycotoxins and very 
common contaminants of maize-based foods and feeds throughout the world. They have been found to 
be associated with several animal diseases such as leukoencephalomalacia in horses and pulmonary 
oedema in pigs. Effects of fumonisins on humans are not yet well understood. However, their 
occurrence in maize has been associated with high incidences of oesophageal and liver cancer. 
Infection of maize by Fusarium species and contamination with fumonisins are generally influenced by 
many factors including environmental conditions (climate, temperature, humidity), insect infestation 
and pre- and postharvest handling. Attempts to control F. verticillioides and to detoxify or reduce 
fumonisin levels in maize have been undertaken. However, more research studies are urgently needed 
in order to understand more about this toxin. Fumonisins are less documented because they are 
recently discovered mycotoxins compared to aflatoxins. To date in Africa, apart from South Africa, very 
little information is available on Fusarium infection and fumonisin contamination in maize. It is a matter 
of great concern that on this continent, millions of people are consuming contaminated maize and 
maize-based foods daily without being aware of the danger.