A Method Using Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Mycotoxins from Trichothecene Groups A and B in Grains

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by several fungi species growing on many agricultural commodities and processed foods (Bennett & Klich, 2003). The term secondary metabolite designates compounds that are not indispensable for the growth and metabolism of the fungi as such, and in contrast to primary metabolites, such as amino acids, fatty acids, saccharides, nucleic acids and proteins, are not essential for living. These metabolites are generally believed to be produced in response to stress or altered conditions of fungal growth related to a variety of plant and environmental factors. Fungal growth requires a readily available carbohydrate source, adequate moisture, oxygen, and appropriate temperatures (often 15-25°C). Plant or fungal stressors such as drought, high ambient temperatures, insect damage, mechanical harvest damage and reduced plant vigour predispose crop plants to infestation by fungi with subsequent production of secondary metabolites (Osweiler, 1999).