ARS | Publication request: Comparison of aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in corn from bt and conventional hybrids

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 13, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Few methods are available to control mycotoxin-producing fungi in pre-harvest crops. While published reports since 1999 have associated Bt expression in corn with reduced mycotoxin levels, subsequent field results have been inconsistent. We compared aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in corn from Bt and conventional hybrids. In 1998, 1999 and 2001 in Mississippi and Arkansas there were no consistent differences in mycotoxin levels. In 2002, 2004, and 2005 in Arkansas and Mississippi, fumonisin levels were lower in Bt hybrids than non-Bt hybrids at all plantings. In 2006 and 2007 in Mississippi mycotoxin levels were less in harvested grain and debris from Bt than non-Bt corn. In 2010 and 2011 there was no significant difference in mycotoxin levels between Bt and non-Bt hybrids. More research is needed in order to identify the conditions under which Bt hybrids consistently yield corn with lower mycotoxin levels.