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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Managing mycotoxins in maize: case studies

B. J. Blaney A D , K. K’Keeffe B and L. K. Bricknell C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Locked Mail Bag 4, Moorooka, Qld 4105, Australia.

B New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, PO Box 999, Griffiths, NSW 2680, Australia.

C EnTox, 39 Kessels Road, Coopers Plains, Qld 4108, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: Barry.Blaney@dpi.qld.gov.au

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48(3) 351-357 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06095
Submitted: 15 March 2006  Accepted: 13 March 2007   Published: 4 February 2008

Abstract

Mycotoxin contamination of Australian maize is neither common nor extensive, but has the capacity to seriously disrupt marketing. Low to moderate levels of aflatoxins and fumonisins can be widespread in some seasons, but zearalenone, nivalenol and deoxynivalenol are usually confined to small growing localities. Possible approaches to such situations were tested by an analysis of several case studies. It is concluded that communication and coordination across the industry, prediction and prevention of contamination, rapid detection and assessment of contamination, effective use of contaminated maize and breeding for resistance comprise a useful set of strategies for managing mycotoxins in maize.


Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the large number of people and organisations in the Maize Association of Australia who have supported this project over the last few years, particularly the other members of our project team and steering group: Wayne Bryden, Lester Burgess, Yash Chauhan, Glen Fox, Neil Gannon, Matthew George, John Kopinski, David Lobwein, Ian Martin, Nick Maynard, Rod McNab, Sally-ann Murray, Jack Ng, RCN Rachaputi, Robin Reid, Malcolm Ryley, Graeme Smith, Brett Summerell, Mike Taverner, Andrew Watson, Stephen Wilson, Stephen Were and Graeme Wright. A special tribute is accorded to Teresa Miklaszewicz who was a particular inspiration to the project before her tragic demise. The Grains Research & Development Corporation provided financial support.


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