DNA testing for mycotoxin producing fungi in fodder

Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by a range of mould and plant pathogenic fungi that affect many crop production systems. As global customers for Australian agricultural products increase their focus on health and wellbeing, there is an increasing need to better manage the potential presence of mycotoxins in export fodder and adhere to importing regulations. This project will design DNA tests to identify at risk hay before mycotoxin production has occurred. This will support the export fodder industry to manage contamination risk by creating a grower option for considering in-crop control of the specific fungi prior to the production of the mycotoxin.