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Aflatoxin Production in Several Corn Hybrids Grown in South Carolina and Florida
Author(s) -
Lillehoj E. B.,
Kwolek W. F.,
Manwiller A.,
DuRant J. A.,
LaPrade J. C.,
Horner E. S.,
Reid J.,
Zuber M. S.
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1976.0011183x001600040010x
Subject(s) - aflatoxin , aspergillus flavus , biology , hybrid , inoculation , mycotoxin , spore , european corn borer , toxin , biological pest control , horticulture , zea mays , insect , agronomy , botany , microbiology and biotechnology , pest analysis
Susceptibility of developing ears of several corn hybrids ( Zea mays L.) to infection by Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fr. determined by aflatoxin production was studied. Five experimental single‐cross hybrids (SC) adapted for growth in the South and a single‐cross hybrid (A) adapted to the Corn Belt were grown in South Carolina and Florida. Treatments consisted of: (a) periodic spraying with an insecticide to control ear damage by insects; (b) inoculation of ears with A. flavus spores; (c) mechanical damage of ears to simulate insect damage; and (d) nontreated controls. Cracked kernels from individual ears were examined for bright greenish‐yellow fluorescence (BGY). Shelled corn from each treatment replication was combined, blended, sampled, and assayed for aflatoxin. The five SC hybrids exhibited a lower level of BGY occurrence and aflatoxin than hybrid A. Inoculating silks with A. flavus spores increased the incidence of BGY fluorescence and concentrations of aflatoxin. Corn from nontreated control ears was extensively contaminated with aflatoxin. Insecticide reduced but did not eliminate insect damage and toxin development in field corn except for one hybrid (SC76 ✕ SC413). The results suggested relationship between insect damage and presence of the toxin.