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Field control of Fusarium ear rot, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), and fumonisins in maize kernels
Author(s) -
Mazzoni Emanuele,
Scandolara Andrea,
Giorni Paola,
Pietri Amedeo,
Battilani Paola
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
pest management science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.296
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1526-4998
pISSN - 1526-498X
DOI - 10.1002/ps.2084
Subject(s) - aflatoxin , mycotoxin , ostrinia , european corn borer , contamination , aspergillus flavus , fungicide , fusarium , biology , fumonisin , pesticide , toxicology , zearalenone , agronomy , horticulture , microbiology and biotechnology , pest analysis , food science , pyralidae , ecology
BACKGROUND: A 6 year study was conducted to evaluate the possible support of pesticides in mitigating mycotoxin contamination in maize grown in northern Italy. Different pesticides to control Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner) (ECB), Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenb. and Aspergillus flavus Link were considered to check their efficacy and the best schedule to reduce fumonisin and aflatoxin contamination. RESULTS: Fumonisin B 1 (FB 1 ) contamination at harvest has been reduced by ECB control, while the addition of ingredients targeted to F. verticillioides gave a limited advantage, mainly with low FB 1 contamination; nevertheless, fusaria control is relevant in high‐risk conditions, when FB 1 is likely to exceed the legal limit. The combination of fungal and pest control in a single spray at silk browning stage (BBCH 67) is the best way of application. These results are robust because they were obtained in a 6 year trial, with relevant differences in meteorological conditions, ECB and fungal presence and mycotoxin contamination. CONCLUSION: Insecticides have been shown to give advantages in their application, while the low FB 1 contamination in the final years of the study did not lead to conclusive data on the advantage of adding a fungicide. Chemicals applied did not modify A. flavus incidence or aflatoxin contamination (only detected in trace amounts). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry