Graincores

Graincores are a type of fungal infection caused by *Fusarium* species, primarily affecting cereal grains such as wheat, barley, corn, and rice. These fungi produce mycotoxins—natural toxins that can pose serious health risks to humans and animals when consumed in contaminated food. Graincores are particularly problematic in agricultural regions with warm, humid climates, where conditions favor fungal growth during grain storage or harvest.

The most common mycotoxins associated with graincores include deoxynivalenol (DON, or vomitoxin), zearalenone, and fumonisins. These toxins can cause acute or chronic health effects, such as vomiting, immune suppression, liver damage, and increased cancer risk. Livestock consumption of contaminated feed may lead to reduced growth rates, reproductive issues, or even death in severe cases.

Prevention and management of graincores involve proper agricultural practices, such as crop rotation, fungicide application, and maintaining optimal storage conditions. Regular testing of grain for mycotoxin levels is essential to ensure food safety. Regulatory agencies in many countries set maximum allowable limits for mycotoxins in food and feed to mitigate health risks.

Graincores are distinct from other fungal infections in that they specifically target stored grains rather than living plants. While some *Fusarium* species can infect crops in the field, the majority of contamination occurs post-harvest, making storage hygiene critical. Research continues into developing resistant grain varieties and safer mycotoxin control methods to reduce economic losses and health hazards.