*2.5.5. Chemical control*

Fungicides have been shown to significantly reduce FHB and DON contamination of wheat grain. Triazole fungicides such as metconazole and tebuconazole have been shown to control FHB and DON contamination in wheat [96]. However, fungicides are neither effective in reducing *F. verticillioides* infection/FUM accumulation, nor *A. flavus* infection/AF accumulation in maize [97]. This may be due to the husks that cover maize kernels. FUM were, however, reduced by 95% *in vitro* when four fungicides and a biocontrol bacterium (Serenade, *B. subtilis*) were evaluated for the control of *F. verticillioides* and *A. flavus* [98]. No registered fungicides are available for the control of either *F. verticillioides* or *A. flavus* in any African country [98]. The use of insecticides can prevent insect wounds that contribute to fungal infection and mycotoxin accumulation in maize kernels [91].

Reduced FHB severity and mycotoxin contamination of wheat under field conditions using tannic acid and the botanicals, Chinese galls and buckthorn, have been shown [100]. These researchers also reported disease and mycotoxin reduction efficacy close to that observed with a synthetic fungicide, thereby demonstrating the potential use of natural compounds in managing mycotoxigenic fungi and their toxins. Furthermore, several studies report on a reduced fungal growth and mycotoxin contamination for *Aspergillus* and *Fusarium* using natural oils and phenolic compounds *in vitro*; however, the commercial value of such products has not been explored and may not be feasible [101, 102].
