News

Mycotoxins reported in several states’ corn harvests

Mycotoxins in corn have been detected in several states. Dry weather, heavy rains and insect damages are the causes.  Tim O’Brien is with Syngenta, and tells Brownfield Ag News, “Aflatoxin has been reported in six states, so far, early in harvest here. Some low levels in Iowa and Missouri and a little bit higher levels in Kansas and Texas and in Georgia, as well.”

And, he says, that’s not the only type of mycotoxin seen, “We have a little bit of fumonisins in Missouri and Arkansas and Texas. And, one report of vomitoxin in Nebraska.”

O’Brien says rain-delaying harvest in some places will complicate things if mycotoxins are present, “If it continues to rain, it prevents harvest and it delays harvest to get those things into storage and stop that mold from developing further.”

For 2019, O’Brien recommends hybrids with good resistance to ear molds or traits with broad insect protection to help keep molds from getting in. For more about the Syngenta trait that does that go to Innovations at BrownfieldAgNews.com.