Mycotoxin Zearalenone in Crops

Mycotoxins, natural byproducts produced by diverse fungi, constitute a unique class of food contaminants. Unlike artificial contaminants such as residues from veterinary drugs, pesticides, and environmental pollutants, mycotoxins pose a challenge for control due to their inherent occurrence and reliance on climatic conditions.

One specific mycotoxin, Zearalenone, exhibits estrogenic properties and is produced by various Fusarium species that colonize cereal grains both in the field and during storage. Fusarium species can infect a variety of small grain cereals, including wheat, barley, oat, and maize, with prevalence influenced by factors like crop type, geographic location, and environmental conditions. While maize is a common host, Zearalenone can also be present in other crops such as wheat, barley, sorghum, and rye.

Fungal infection adversely affects the quality and yield of seed grain, resulting in significant economic consequences. It is estimated that around 25% of global cereal production and approximately 20% of overall plant production may be tainted by mycotoxins, with contamination levels subject to variations based on local weather conditions.

Zearalenone, categorized as a phenolic resorcylic acid lactone, can manifest in four hydroxyl derivatives. Despite its low acute toxicity, Zearalenone has been identified as hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic to various mammalian species. It is predominantly produced by specific Fusarium species such as F. graminearum, F. culmorum, F. cerealis, F. equiseti, and F. semitectum, often occurring simultaneously with deoxynivalenol.

The significance of Zearalenone lies in its ability to bind to the estrogen receptor, exerting a profound influence on the reproductive systems of numerous animal species. Maize, especially from regions like Canada, England, France, Russia, the United States, and Yugoslavia, has frequently been linked to instances of hyperestrogenism in farm animals, particularly swine, attributable to the presence of Zearalenone.
Mycotoxin Zearalenone in Crops