Advancements in Managing Phytopathogenic Fungal Infections and Mycotoxin Contamination in Grains and Fruits

Grains and fruits are essential components of human diets, providing crucial saccharides, vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and numerous phytonutrients that contribute to human welfare. Phytopathogenic fungi are accountable for plant diseases and postharvest deterioration in diverse crops and fruits, resulting in substantial reductions in yield, quality, and market value. Moreover, these fungi possess the potential to produce mycotoxins, thereby contaminating grains and fruits. These mycotoxins exhibit acute toxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and other toxic effects, causing serious concerns among consumers. Investigating the infection caused by phytopathogenic fungi and subsequent mycotoxin contamination in grains and fruits holds immense importance in terms of agricultural productivity and ensuring the control of food quality and safety. The intricate nature of plant-fungi interactions involves the secretion of diverse virulence factors, such as cell wall-degrading enzymes and putative effectors, by pathogens, which facilitate the progression of infection. Plants exhibit diverse responses under pathogenic stress conditions, including the generation of reactive oxygen species, induction of resistance genes, and production of pathogenesis-related proteins and metabolites. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of plant-fungi interactions is crucial for effective disease management and the cultivation of resistant cultivars. Additionally, plants host a wide range of microorganisms that contribute to ecological stability and participate in numerous physiological processes. Presently, the advancement of technologies, including metagenomics, high-throughput cultivation, and microbial community recombination, has facilitated the systematic investigation of the functions and molecular mechanisms of microbial communities concerning disease.

Furthermore, these studies contributed to the discovery of biocontrol agents for disease prevention. Infection caused by phytopathogenic fungi frequently leads to contamination by mycotoxins, posing a significant risk to grains and fruits. The presence of specific mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, aflatoxins, and ochratoxins, is a matter of considerable concern. Therefore, it is essential to conduct research that focuses on the formation, control, and eradication of mycotoxins to ensure the safety and quality of grains and fruits.

This Research Topic aims to explore the most recent advancements in the management of phytopathogenic fungal infections of plants and the subsequent contamination of grains and fruits with mycotoxins. It also seeks to investigate phytopathogenic fungal identifications, explore plant-fungi interaction mechanisms, examine pathogen-microbial community interactions, and study mycotoxins produced by phytopathogenic fungi. By addressing these areas, the research aims to develop innovative strategies for effective disease management and mycotoxin control, ultimately ensuring the safety and quality of grains and fruits.

To gather further insights into the management of phytopathogenic fungal infections and mycotoxin contamination in grains and fruits, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Identification of phytopathogenic fungi and their genetic diversity.
- Unravelling the mechanisms governing the interaction between plants and fungi in grains and fruits.
- Investigating the interplay between pathogens and microbial communities.
- Employing efficient strategies to alleviate mycotoxin contamination.