5. Prevention of mycotoxins
Management practices to maximize plant performance and decrease plant stress can
decrease mycotoxin contamination substantially. This includes planting adapted varieties,
proper fertilization, weed control, necessary irrigation, and proper crop rotation (Ewards,
2004). But even the best management strategies cannot eliminate mycotoxin contamination
in years favorable for disease development. Some fungi, such as several Fusarium species,
are widespread colonizers of crop residues, where the pathogen survives during winter.
Thus wheat stubble, maize stalks and rice stubble can be major sources of these moulds,