Author
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Bruns, Herbert |
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Submitted to: Journal of Toxicology Toxins Reviews
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 4/1/2003 Publication Date: 9/10/2003 Citation: BRUNS, H.A. 2003. CONTROLLING MYCOTOXINS IN MAIZE BY CROP MANAGEMENT. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY TOXINS REVIEWS. Vol. 22:153-173. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Maize is a vital food and feed grain worldwide. Aflatoxin and fumonisin, mycotoxins produced primarily by the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus Speare, and Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticilloides, respectively, are very potent carcinogens in both humans and livestock and can readily contaminate maize grain in the field and in storage. Stress upon developing maize, particularly during reproductive growth, facilitates infection by the fungi and contamination of the grain. Drought, excessive heat, inadequate plant nutrition, insect feeding on developing kernels, weeds, excessive plant populations, and other plant diseases can all facilitate the infection of maize grain by mycotoxin producing fungi. Timely planting of adapted hybrids, proper plant nutrition, irrigation, and insect control either by insecticides or the use of transgenic hybrids all assist in curbing mycotoxin contamination. Production practices that produce high yields are basically the same ones that help control mycotoxins. Care must also be exercised in harvesting and handling grain in transport and storage to prevent contamination. Harvesting early and artifical drying helps reduce the incidence of mycotoxins as well as preventing kernel breakage and stored-grain insect infestations. |
