Globally disease outbreaks as a result of the consumption of contaminated food and feedstuffs are a regular primary problem. The foremost elements contributing to contamination are microorganisms, particularly fungi, which produce low-molecular weight secondary metabolites, with demonstrated toxic properties that are referred to as mycotoxins. Aflatoxins contaminate agricultural commodities and may cause sickness or fatality in humans and animals. Moreover, poor conditions of storage and a deficiency in regulatory measures in food quality control aggravate the main issue. For that reason, mycotoxin-related illness of nutrition represents a major health hazard for local populations. Government policies should make regulations aiming to avoid the entry of aflatoxins into food stuffs. For consumer safety, control and management strategies should be developed and implemented by regulatory authorities. There is the need for attention from farmers, scientists, government and collaborative minds throughout the country to ensure aflatoxin-free food. The present review is informative not only for health-conscious consumers, but also for relevant authorities with respect to paving the way for future research aiming to fill the existing gaps in our knowledge with regard to mycotoxins and food security. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

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The diversity of fungal endophytes in Sorghum bicolor was investigated in samples collected from 10 different geographical regions of Karnataka state, India. A total of 360 endophytes were isolated from leaf, stem, and root tissues and were assigned to 26 fungal species based on morphology and molecular characterization using ITS sequences. All the endophytes belonged to the phylum Ascomycota. The diversity (Shannon H, 2.57; Simpson_1‐D, 0.92) and species richness (Margalef's, 4.68; Menhinick, 3.61) were found to be higher for the endophytes isolated from leaf tissues. The species evenness of the endophytic assemblage was strongly influenced by tissue type, followed by geographical location. The biocontrol potential of isolated endophytes was evaluated against economically destructive sorghum grain mould pathogens such as Fusarium thapsinum, Epicoccum sorghinum, Alternaria alternata, and Curvularia lunata using the dual culture method. Biocontrol potential was exhibited by 26 endophytic isolates, of which Trichoderma asperellum recorded broad‐spectrum activity against target pathogens, followed by E. nigrum and A. longipes. Most (82%) endophytes showed plant growth‐promoting traits. Biosynthesis of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) was observed in 84% of isolates, and phosphate solubilization, siderophore production, and cellulase activity was observed in 69%, 23%, and 27% of isolates, respectively. Seeds treated with T. asperellum exhibited a significantly higher seed vigour index (2096), germination percentage (94%), and yield under greenhouse and field conditions. The results were substantiated by the confocal microscopy analysis, which clearly demonstrated the colonization of treated endophyte in root tissues. The present study reveals an ecofriendly approach to explore T. asperellum in sorghum disease management.

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Eclipta alba is used as a medicinal herb in many herbal preparations including most of hair oils produced in India. The E. alba extracts are part of many Ayurvedic/herbal medicines with hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Aqueous extract, hydroalcoholic extracts and methanolic extract are reported to possess hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. Studies in Burkina Faso have demonstrated that soaking seeds with 2.5% E. alba aqueous extract for 6 h improved seed quality parameters followed by increased yield in sorghum. Accordingly, it has been proposed to use E. alba for seed treatment on a larger scale. Hence it was relevant to test the toxicity of E. alba. The purpose of this study was to test the acute oral toxicity, dermal irritation and eye irritation of aqueous extract of E. alba dried leaves in Sprague Dawley rats and New Zealand white rabbits. The acute toxicity studies were carried out based on OECD guidelines 423. The highest dose administered at 2000 mg/kg body weight did not produce mortality or changes in general behaviour of the test animals indicating safety of the oral administration of aqueous E. alba extract in Sprague Dawley rats. The acute dermal irritation study in Newzealand white rabbits was investigated according to OECD test guideline No. 404. The E. alba fine powder applied to the intact left flank of female rabbit did not elicit any skin reactions at the application site of animal at any of the observation time points and hence 'Non Irritant' to the rabbit skin. The acute eye irritation study on Newzealand white rabbits did not cause corneal opacity, iris and conjunctivae in any of the treated animals and did not cause staining of the treated eye and is termed as 'not irritating' to the rabbit eyes / eye mucosa. The toxicological studies prove that the E. alba aqueous extract are safe to be used as seed treatment and can be handled safely by humans under field conditions.