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The Conditions Are Right For Aflatoxin

Hot, dry growing seasons and warm summer nights aren't just devastating for the development of corn; they can also lead to the development of Aspergillus ear rot, and the potential for aflatoxin contamination.

Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, shows itself as a yellow-green or gray-green mold on corn kernels. Prolonged hot and dry conditions post-pollination increase the possibility of aflatoxin production.

Alison Robertson, plant pathologist at Iowa State University, says aflatoxin requires nights with temperatures greater than 70 degrees and days with temperatures greater than 86 degrees to effectively develop.

Aflatxoin, however, is a known carcinogen, and the Food and Drug Administration lists the highest possible aflatoxin content as 20 ppb for the human food supply. For finishing cattle, that content may go no higher than 300 ppb.

University of Illinois Plant Pathologist Carl Bradley says that though this season's prevalence of aflatoxin is currently uncertain, those levels are something to keep in mind.

Dried distillers grains, which are often used as feed for livestock, may be affected by aflatoxin content. "Toxins become even more highly concentrated in the distillers grain," Bradley says, "and [ethanol plants] sell those distiller's grains as feed."

For farmers concerned about the prevalence of aflatoxin, both pathologists say scouting, in early stages, is a sufficient method of testing. Bradley says the most susceptible areas are likely the most stressed - those at the top of hills, and areas with lighter soil.

Robertson recommends that farmers select eight to 10 locations per field and peel back the husks of 10 ears per location. A visual check for the tell-tale green-gray mold will determine next steps.

She said if ear rot is present on more than 10% of the ears examined, the field is at risk for aflatoxin contamination. Though corn is just reaching dent stage, making it unclear if aflatoxin will be a big threat this summer, Bradley says the conditions are certainly right.

"Right now, we are in a holding pattern on if it's going to be an issue or not," Bradley says. "We have certainly had some conditions that would be favorable for it. I haven't heard of anybody reporting it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it were out there."

If it is found, Bradley says, aflatoxin has very few management tools. One option requires application before silking, which renders it useless at this point.

Bradley adds that the only other tool growers have is irrigation, which may help limit aflatoxin development, but he said it really boils down to paying attention. "There's not a lot of management a grower can do other than be aware," says Bradley. "We don't have good management tools."

If producers find suspected aflatoxin contamination, they are encouraged to contact their insurance agent and make preparations for harvest. If they are unsure about a diagnosis, Bradley recommends contacting an extension agent or preparing samples for independent testing.

Robertson adds that aflatoxin-contaminated corn is best harvested early and cooled quickly. She says limiting damage to the kernels will help keep the toxin from spreading.