Mycotoxins are poisonous trace organic residues of mold deterioration. Mycotoxins are not alive themselves, but instead are very potent compounds causing, at very low dosages (parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb)), a variety of human and animal health problems. Individual mycotoxins are produced by specific mold strains under more restrictive growth conditions than for the molds themselves.
Once grain is dry and cold, Aflatoxin is rarely able to grow. But producers are finding two problematic situations this fall with high moisture variability within fields and bin dryers operated below 120F.
Early harvest reports confirm the presenense of aflatoxin in corn. This article, the second in a series of three, tells you what you need to know to direct corn with aflatoxin to appropriate uses.
Early harvest reports confirm the presenense of aflatoxin in corn. This article, the first in a series of three, tells you what you need to know to avoid sampling errors.
Early harvest reports confirm the presenense of aflatoxin in corn. This article, the last in a series of three, tells you what you need to know to about making a claim to your insurance company.
Fields across the state are at risk for aflatoxin. Producers should scout their downed corn and stressed areas of their fields for aspergillus ear rot and, if detected, call their insurance adjuster immediately.
This summer's hot, dry conditions have many producers concerned about aflatoxin, which is associated with Asperigillus ear rot. Farmers should scout five to 10 locations in a field and schedule an early harvest if more than 10 percent of the ears show signs of Asperigillus ear rot.
Aspergillus ear rot in corn fields has been reported by Iowa State University Extension field crop specialists in southeast and south central Iowa. The concern with this disease is the production of aflatoxins, which are extremely toxic chemicals produced by two molds Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxin accumulation is usually associated with poor storage conditions. However, hot, dry conditions during grain fill increase the risk of Aspergillus infection and aflatoxin contamination in the field.
