Why do plant pathogenic fungi produce mycotoxins? Potential roles for mycotoxins in the plant ecosystem

For many plant pathogenic or endophytic fungi, production of mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans, may present a fitness gain. However, associations between mycotoxin production and plant pathogenicity or virulence is inconsistent and difficult due to the complexity of these host-pathogen interactions and the influences of environmental and insect factors. Aflatoxin receives a lot of attention due to its potent toxicity and carcinogenicity, but the connection between aflatoxin production and pathogenicity is complicated by the pathogenic ability and prevalence of n on-aflatoxigenic isolates in crops. Other toxins directly aid fungi in planta, trichothecenes are important virulence factors and ergot alkaloids limit herbivory and fungal consumption due to insect toxicity. We review a panel discussion at Amercian Phytopathological Society's Plant Health 2021 conference, which gathered diverse experts representing different research sectors, career stages, ethnicities and genders to discuss the diverse roles of mycotoxins in the lifestyles of filamentous fungi of the families: Clavicipitaceae, Trichocomaceae (Eurotiales), Nectriaceae (Hypocreales).