Toxigenic fungi on cereal crops in Russia

Toxigenic fungi are pathogenic microorganisms that produce mycotoxins and cause mycoses and mycotoxicoses. According to FAO, 25% of the world’s grain production is contaminated with mycotoxins. In developing countries, up to 36% of all diseases are directly or indirectly related to fungal mycotoxins. The review considers the situation with infestation of grain crops in different regions of Russia by toxigenic fungi of the genera Claviceps, Fusarium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium and accumulation of mycotoxins dangerous for humans and animals. Claviceps fungi are widespread on cereals, especially harmful on rye. They contain toxic alkaloids with nerve agent action. The toxins produced by Fusarium are harmful to human and animal health. Different Fusarium species can produce a wide range of mycotoxins. Fungi of the genus Alternaria are widely distributed on agricultural crops. Diseases caused by Alternaria affect usually the grain of all cereals. The main danger of grain contamination by Alternaria species is the presence of secondary metabolites toxic to plants, animals and humans in agricultural products. Fungi of the genus Aspergillus affect grain of wheat, barley, corn and other crops. Species of the genus Aspergillus produce toxins harmful to humans and animals. They have carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive properties. Fungi of the genus Penicillium mainly cause seed mold. Seed mold causes reduced germination and often seed death. Fungi of the genus Penicillium produce a large number of mycotoxins. They have nephrotoxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. Disease development and mycotoxin production are influenced by climatic conditions.