Mycotoxins: An Underhand Food Problem -- Alternaria Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins -- Aspergillus Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins -- Fusarium Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins -- Penicillium Species and Their Associated Mycotoxins -- Targeting Conserved Genes in Alternaria Species -- Targeting Conserved Genes in Aspergillus Species -- Targeting Conserved Genes in Fusarium Species -- Targeting Conserved Genes in Penicillium Species -- Targeting Aflatoxin Biosynthetic Genes -- Targeting Trichothecene Biosynthetic Genes -- Targeting Ochratoxin Biosynthetic Genes -- Targeting Fumonisin Biosynthetic Genes -- Targeting Other Mycotoxin Biosynthetic Genes -- Evaluating Aflatoxin Gene Expression in Aspergillus Section Flavi -- Evaluating Fumonisin Gene Expression in Fusarium verticillioides -- Multiplex Detection of Aspergillus Species -- Multiplex Detection of Fusarium Species -- Multiplex Detection of Penicillium Species -- PCR-RFLP for Aspergillus Species -- PCR ITS-RFLP for Penicillium Species and Other Genera -- Identification of Ochratoxin A-Producing Black Aspergilli from Grapes Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) Assays -- Detection of Transcriptionally Active Mycotoxin Gene Clusters: DNA Microarray -- Mycotoxins: A Fungal Genomics Perspective.

This thorough volume explores the possibility of detecting and identifying toxigenic fungi, able to produce secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins, which cause severe health problems in humans and animals after exposure to contaminated food and feed, having a broad range of toxic effects, including carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. Beginning with a section on fungal genera and species of major significance along with their associated mycotoxins, the book continues with sections on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based methods for the detection and identification of mycotoxigenic fungi, PCR-based methods for multiplex detection of mycotoxigenic fungi, as well as sections on combined approaches and new methodologies. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Mycotoxigenic Fungi: Methods and Protocols will aid researchers working in this vital field to provide insight into possible actions to reduce mycotoxin contamination of crop plants and the food/feed byproducts.