MycoKey objectives

MycoKey main objectives

  • provide an information and communication technology tool – MycoKey App – able to connect growers and producers in real time for mitigation of mycotoxin contamination

  • provide recommendations to regulators and establish the MycoKey knowledge platform focused on the reduction of mycotoxins in main food and feed chains

  • increase cooperation between Europe and China for reducing mycotoxin contamination in both areas


MycoKey aims at developing smart, integrated, sustainable solutions and innovative tool kits to reduce the major mycotoxins in economically important food and feed chains.

A comprehensive assessment of knowledge available at a global scale will be integrated in the development of MycoKey technical and management solutions for their application at key control/management points in the major affected food and feed chains at risk, with a focus on regulated mycotoxins in maize [aflatoxins (AFLA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA),fumonisins(FUM)], wheat and barley [(DON, ZEAand ochratoxin A (OTA)] and unregulated mycotoxins (T-2 and HT-2 toxins). These crops represent nearly 60% of global cereal production. Other affected crops/commodities, such as dried fruits and grapes, relevant to international trade areas, will be considered for effective key intervention on AFLA and OTA.



Main Objectives:

  • To develop and implement rapid reliable and validated detection tools for toxigenic fungi and multi-mycotoxins
  • To integrate predictive models for Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone contamination in maize
  • To translate existing monitoring technologies into on-site/storage specific application tools for growers
  • To communicate with final users and provide advices for the mycotoxin management