Summary

There are growing global concerns surrounding mycotoxin contamination in fodder, with many countries implementing regulations to restrict mycotoxin levels. The focus has been on aflatoxins, fumonisins, ochratoxin, trichothecenes and zearalenone.
This project will develop a testing capability for the fungi that produce mycotoxins. These tests will support the export fodder industry manage the risk of mycotoxin contamination in fodder.
The project will calibrate a series of new and existing tests for genes specific for the production of aflatoxins (B1, G1and G2), fumonisins (B1 and B2) and ochratoxin A.
To detect trichothecenes and zearalenone producing fungi, existing tests for the Fusarium species that cause crown rot in cereal will be evaluated.
The project will also investigate sample storage and preparation methods to ensure sample integrity is maintain and processing time and costs are minimised.

Program

Export Fodder

Research Organisation

The University of Adelaide (PIRSA/SARDI)

Objective Summary

The project has two main objectives:
1. Select the best combination of DNA tests to quantify the fungi capable of producing mycotoxins prioritised by the international customers of Australian fodder.
2. Develop a testing capability to efficiently quantify mycotoxin producing fungi in fodder samples.
This project will ultimately support researchers to conduct surveys, evaluate management practices in field trials, and support industry and growers to implement appropriate management decisions.