Mycotoxins and fungal damage in maize harvested during 1982 in Far North Queensland

Abstract

A survey for mycotoxins and fungal damage in maize (Zea mays L.) grown during 1982 in Far North Queensland is reported. This season had a rainfall distribution which was typical for the region. The 293 samples examined came from 111 farms in eight maize-growing districts. The samples were first subjected to rapid screening tests for fungal damage. Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, ochratoxin A, T-2 toxin, and sterigmatocystin were not detected, but zearalenone was found in 85% of the samples. The concentrations of zearalenone were correlated with the extent of Gibberella zeae cob rot as indicated by the proportion (up to 2%) of kernels in each sample having a reddish-purple discoloration. In four samples the zearalenone concentration exceeded 1 mg kg-1, but the mean ¦ s.d. (n = 293) concentration in all samples was 0.17 ¦ 0.225 mg kg-1. Concentrations were highest in districts with the highest rainfall during the period of maize growth.