Onyekachi Ibiam
Federal University, Nigeria
Title: The threat of pathogenic fungi to plant, human and animal health , a global problem—Any way out?
Biography
Biography: Onyekachi Ibiam
Abstract
Pathogenic fungi have devastated plant, animal and human health in various ways, this is examined from the effects of their toxic secretions in various concentrations in plants and plant products, and animals and humans that feed on these plants and their products. These fungi cause reduction in plant growth and productivity in the field , as well as their nutrient values in the field and storage. These plants and their products are eaten by animals and humans , and the toxins secreted by these fungi cause various immune-suppressions, and genetic and mycotic diseases of various sorts. These diseases arise from mycotic secretions suchas ochratoxins, afflatoxins, fumiconisins etc. secreted by storage fungi like Aspergillus ochraceous, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp etc.These and other toxins secreted by pathogenic fungi in the field and storage as well as their damaging effects to plant, animal and human, nutrient and anti-nutrient compositions are reviewed