ABSTRACT
Since the beginning of agriculture, farmers have had to compete with pests for crop products grown for human consumption. Insects, molds, rodents, and even birds are the major organisms that damage stored grains and related products. In addition to direct losses, these biotic agents cause indirect damage because they leave important contaminants such as feces, urine, hair, body parts, or exoskeletons, causing off-odors. More important, molds are a potential source of secondary metabolites or mycotoxins that can harm and even cause death to humans and animals.
