FUMONISIN B₁ AND AFLATOXIN B₁ LEVELS IN KENYAN MAIZE

• Published in: Journal of plant pathology Vol. 91; no. 2; pp. 459 - 464
• Main Authors: Alakonya, A.E., Monda, E.O., Ajanga, S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: An International Journal of the Italian Phytopathological Society 01-07-2009
• Subjects: Aflatoxins; Aspergillus; Corn; Crop harvesting; Food safety; Fumonisins; Fungi; Fusarium; Mycotoxins; Phytopathology; Short Communication
• ISSN: 1125-4653; 2239-7264

Maize ear rot is an important disease of maize in Kenya. In this study fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) analysis were conducted on symptomless and rotten maize harvested at different harvest time points after physiological maturity (HTPAPM). Fusarium verticillioides dominated at all HTPAPM. Other fungi reported include Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus and Sternocarpella may dis. In 2001, FB₁ levels in symptomless maize ranged between 22 to 1348 μg/kg. Mean FB₁ levels at 4, 8, and 12 weeks HTPAPM for Malava were 56, 80 and 317 μg/kg respectively. In Tongaren during 2001 mean FB₁ levels of 41, 179 and 590 μg/kg were recorded at 4, 8, 12 week HTPAPM respectively. The FB₁ levels in rotten maize ranged from 39 to >5000 μg/kg and increased with HTPAPM. The highest AFB₁ level was 17 μg/kg in rotten maize. The results suggest that delayed harvesting could increase FB₁ contamination in maize.