Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Although the impact of climate change on fungal colonization has not
been yet specifically and thoroughly addressed, temperature, humidity and
precipitation are known to have an effect on toxigenic molds and on their
interaction with the plant hosts. In general we know that fungi have tem-
perature ranges within which they perform better and therefore increasing
average temperatures could lead to changes in the range of latitudes at
which certain fungi are able to compete. Since 2003, frequent hot and dry
summers in Italy have resulted in increased occurrence of
A. lavus
, the
most xerophilic of the
Aspergillus
genus, with consequent unexpected and
serious outbreak of aflatoxin contamination, uncommon in Europe. Also in
United States serious outbreaks of
A. Flavus
have been reported for simi-
lar reasons. Generally moist, humid conditions favormold growth - moist
conditions following periods of heavy precipitation or floods would be
expected to favormold growth. Generally speaking, conditions adverse to
the plant (drought stress, stress induced by pest attack, poor nutrient status,
etc.) encourages the fungal partner to develop more than under favorable
plant conditions with the expectation of greater production of mycotoxins.
18.2.3 INFLUENCE CLIMATE CHANGE ON POST-HARVEST
CONDITIONS
It is common for commodities to contain mycotoxigenic fungi at harvest.
Up to the point of harvest, the status of the plant will play a major role in
determining the degree of mycotoxin contamination. Thereafter, fungal
development and mycotoxin production will be controlled by postharvest
handling techniques and practice. In the simplest terms this will consist of
some kind of cleaning, whichmay be conducted concomitantly with har-
vest, drying and storage where stability is maintained by restricting water
availability to a level well below that required for fungal growth. Climate
change could impinge on this part of the food chain especially in regions
where capital investment on such production infrastructure is lacking.
18.2.4 EFFECT ON POST HARVEST QUALITY OF FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES
Climatic change results in Green house effect on fruits/ vegetables. High-
er temperature, Co
2
level, Ozone depletion has direct or indirect effect on
