Natural Fusarium Toxin Contamination of Wheat in Southern Part of Hungary

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by a fungal plant pathogen graminearum, is devastating disease of wheat and other cereals. FHB reduces yield, but also the quality feeding value crop. The fungus produces mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) that poses significant threat to health domestic animals humans. In 2019 epidemic occurred not only southern eastern parts Hungary, affected area Central Europe. patterns varied tremendously, depending on geographic area, different resistance levels genotypes, weather soil conditions cropping factors. this survey 192 samples bread (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes from three geographically regions were tested for DON toxin contamination HPLC-MS method. Average 3.80 mg/kg; it times higher than European maximum limit unprocessed cereals intended human consumption. content range very wide (0.15 – 20.71 mg/kg), 76% exceeded EU risk threshold level.