Weather
is the most important factor in determining whether aflatoxin
contamination will be a problem. Hot and dry weather is associated with
increased aflatoxin production by the fungus from Aspergillus
species. Extremely high temperatures and changing weather conditions
(high humidity and drought, high precipitation, big difference between
day and night temperatures) are ideal for aflatoxin formation. A hot,
dry year such as the current one in which the plants are stressed may
generate much higher levels of aflatoxin than under more moderate
conditions. Climatological conditions across Europe and North America
might affect the mycotoxin challenge for next year.
Mycotoxins and predominantly aflatoxins are a constant concern for
agriculture. Some seasons and weather conditions such as this year’s
puts industry on high alert. Aflatoxins are potent mycotoxins that
reduce development, impair the immune system, and can cause cancer and
death. Several Aspergillus species produce aflatoxins during crop
infection, which is greatly influenced by weather conditions including
freezes, droughts, rainfall, and shifts in temperature. Weather also
influences the average aflatoxin-producing potential of the fungi.
Contamination occurs both during crop development and after crop
maturation. Interactions of aflatoxin-producers with agronomic practices
and weather events at specific crop stages determine the magnitude of
contamination through effects on pests, crops, and timing of activities.
Weather events that favour high contamination during crop development
may suppress contamination after crop maturation either prior to harvest
or during post-harvest handling and storage.
States Radka Borutova, Business Development Manager Nutriad: “Routine crop monitoring provides large sets of geographically referenced data which is useful in describing influences of weather on contamination across regions, states, and even continents. Knowledge of weather influences facilitates both better monitoring and improved cost-benefit ratios through weather-based adjustment of management strategies. Recent episodes of severe contamination of maize and cottonseed highlight the importance of weather influences and the need to adjust cropping cycles and management practices in order to avoid losses associated with aflatoxins. Although extensive efforts and preventive actions are taken during growing, harvesting and storage periods, the chances of mycotoxin contamination are high. Therefore successful detoxification procedures after harvest are important. The addition of specific feed additives to animal feeds is a very common method to prevent mycotoxicosis.”
Nutriad, headquartered in Belgium, delivers products and services to over 80 countries worldwide through a network of its offices and distributors, supported by 4 application laboratories and 5 manufacturing facilities located on 3 continents.
Find out more HERE.
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| Radka Borutova, Business Development Manager Nutriad |
States Radka Borutova, Business Development Manager Nutriad: “Routine crop monitoring provides large sets of geographically referenced data which is useful in describing influences of weather on contamination across regions, states, and even continents. Knowledge of weather influences facilitates both better monitoring and improved cost-benefit ratios through weather-based adjustment of management strategies. Recent episodes of severe contamination of maize and cottonseed highlight the importance of weather influences and the need to adjust cropping cycles and management practices in order to avoid losses associated with aflatoxins. Although extensive efforts and preventive actions are taken during growing, harvesting and storage periods, the chances of mycotoxin contamination are high. Therefore successful detoxification procedures after harvest are important. The addition of specific feed additives to animal feeds is a very common method to prevent mycotoxicosis.”
Nutriad, headquartered in Belgium, delivers products and services to over 80 countries worldwide through a network of its offices and distributors, supported by 4 application laboratories and 5 manufacturing facilities located on 3 continents.
Find out more HERE.
The Global Miller
This blog is maintained by The Global Miller staff and is supported by the magazine GFMT
which is published by Perendale Publishers Limited.
For additional daily news from milling around the world: global-milling.com
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