Mycotoxin Metabolites of Fungi

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungi that are toxic to plants, animals, and humans. These toxins affect seed germination, seed quality, seed viability, the growth of the coleoptile and root, seedling vigor, etc. Common mycotoxins include aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, fumonisins, trichothecenes, and zearalenone. Aflatoxin suppresses the levels of nucleic acid, proteins, and germination in plants. Penicillic acid inhibits the lactic dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase enzymes. Citrinin affects the translocation process and disturbs the osmotic balance. The patulin effect involves the intoxication of cell cultures leading to the inhibition of DNA, protein, and RNA synthesis. Ochratoxin shows hypersensitive responses that increase reactive oxygen species and enhance the xenobiotic detoxification and defense response of antioxidant enzymes. These mycotoxins are often produced by fungal endophytes affecting plant growth enzymes. They colonize plant root tissues, resulting in the development of various plant-related diseases. The susceptibility of a plant species is regulated by physiological and genetic factors such as age, nutrition, hormones, environmental exposure, parasitism, and infections.