Preharvest application of beneficial fungi as a strategy to prevent postharvest mycotoxin contamination: A review

We present an overview of the possible applications of beneficial fungi in the preharvest of cereals, grapes and apples, in order to control the attack of these crops by important mycotoxigenic plant pathogens such as Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium spp., respectively. We also examine the effects of these applications in terms of reduction of the risk of mycotoxin contamination such as trichothecenes (Fusarium), aflatoxins and ochratoxins (Aspergillus) and patulin (Penicillium), at a postharvest stage. Finally, the use of modern technologies, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), is also discussed in terms of improving the success of beneficial fungi in preventing mycotoxin contamination.