Molecular Diversity and PCR-detection of Toxigenic Fusarium Species and Ochratoxigenic Fungi: Under the aegis of COST Action 835 ‘Agriculturally Important Toxigenic Fungi 1998-2003’, EU project (QLK1-CT-1998-01380) and the ISPP ‘Fusarium Committee

Toxigenic Fusarium species and ochratoxigenic fungi are responsible for plant diseases which have important effects on both human and animal health. The development of rapid, robust and sensitive detection methods based on molecular technologies is needed to identify fungal contamination in the field and quantify toxin accumulation in food products. Most of the contributions are from results obtained through the EU 5th Framework project (QLK1-1999-01380) DETOX-FUNGI: early detection of toxigenic Fusarium species and ochratoxigenic fungi in plant products . Valuable contributions from other scientists have guaranteed a complete overview of increasingly important topic. The present issue contains contributions which cover many aspects of the molecular diversity, phylogeny, variability and PCR-detection of toxigenic fungi and their toxins. Notable amongst these are a review of the phylogeny and diagnosis of Fusarium species and a new system for identifying Fusarium species based on a DNA sequence database. Other papers describe the diversity and analysis of ochratoxigenic Aspergilli and Penicillia. This information will greatly aid those concerned with the early detection of these fungi and their mycotoxins, information which is so essential for overcoming the health risks associated with mycotoxin-contaminated food products.