Reducing Aflatoxin in Corn During Harvest and Storage

Published by:

FARM-D

Document

Download

Publication date

25/04/2017

Number of Pages

Language:

English

Type of Publication:

Working Papers & Briefs

Focus Region:

North America

Focus Topic:

Agricultural Value Chains / Agri-Businesses

Health & Diseases

Type of Risk:

Biological & environmental

Type of Risk Managment Option:

Risk reduction/mitigation

Commodity:

Crops

Author

Paul E. Sumner, Dewey Lee

Organization

University of Georgia

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring toxin produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. The fungus can be recognized by a gray-green or yellow-green mold growing on corn kernels in the field or in storage (Figure 1). Plant stress due to drought, heat or insect damage during fungus growth usually increases aflatoxin levels. Aflatoxin contamination will reduce feeding value and hinder sales. Because it is extremely poisonous to warm-blooded animals even at relatively low levels, grain handling facilities often check for the presence of the toxin before purchasing corn.

Keywords: aflatoxin, Post-harvest Losses