The relationship between aflatoxin formation and kernel damage in Costa Rican maize
1987
Echandi Z, R. (Costa Rica Univ., San Jose (Costa Rica) | Grain and Seed Research Center)
Although results from a preliminary survey of grain sold on the market in Costa Rica suggest that aflatoxin contamination of maize is a major problem in the country, four widely used maize varieties grown in three ecological zones showed low levels of contamination. Bending of maize p1889lants in the field to reduce the penetration of water into the ear, a common practice among Costa Rican farmers, seemed to have no effect on Aspergillus flavus kernel infection. In laboratory studies with the same varieties, it was found that inoculum must be present and is equally as important as kernel damage for the formation of aflatoxin. The relationship between kernel damage and A. flavus infection and aflatoxin production was confirmed by results of laboratory inoculation of kernels on the ear. The lower aflatoxin level of intact, inoculated kernels on the ear compared to that of intact, inoculated shelled kernels suggests that kernels on the ear are less susceptible to aflatoxin contamina
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