Seed-borne diseases: Its impact on human and animal health

Abstract

Healthy seed plays an important role in ensuring productivity and profitability of crops. Contamination of seed with various toxins adversely impacts human and animal health. Fungal species produce toxic metabolites called mycotoxins that contaminate staple foods and feeds. They represent an unavoidable problem due to their presence in globally consumed cereals. Mycotoxin may be hepatotoxins, nephrotoxins, and neurotoxins. Majority of mycotoxins cause suppression of the immune system, and some are carcinogenic in nature and adversely affect human and animal health and reduce livestock production. Stricter control of mycotoxins has been envisioned worldwide. While human beings are adapting to cope with environmental changes, such as food scarcity, decreased food quality, mycotoxin regulations, crop production, and climate change, fungal species are also adapting, and increased cases of mycotoxins-induced adverse health are likely to occur in the future. It is of vital importance for different countries to set mycotoxin limits and regulations taking into account both scientific and socioeconomic factors. The first limits for mycotoxins were set in the late 1960s for the aflatoxins, and by the end of 2003, several countries had developed specific limits for mycotoxins in foodstuffs and feedstuffs, and the number continues to grow. To ensure food security, we need a way to balance global mycotoxin standards which are realizable, considering limitations of producers and designing strategies to reduce mycotoxin exposure based on sound research.