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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Tifton, Georgia » Crop Genetics and Breeding Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #108268
Title: FUNGAL AND CYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION OF STORED PEARL MILLET GRAIN

Author
item Wilson, Jeffrey - Jeff
item JURJEVIC, Z - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item WILSON, D - UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
item CASPER, H - NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIV

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/1999
Publication Date: 6/1/2000
Citation: Wilson, J.P., Jurjevic, Z., Wilson, D.M., Casper, H. 2000. Fungal and cycotoxin contamination of stored pearl millet grain. Phytopathology 90:S129.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Storage conditions affecting fungal colonization and mycotoxin contamination in pearl millet grain were evaluated. Grain from 1996, 1997, and 1998 were stored for 3 to 9 weeks at 20C or 25C, and at 85.6, 91, or 100% relative humidity (rh), under air or nitrogen, and three grain moisture regimes (9-11%, 17-20%, or 20-22%). The most common fungi were Fusarium chlamydosporum (19%). Curvularia (14%), F. semitectum (16%), Alternaria spp. (9%), Aspergillus flavus (8%), Helminthosporium spp. (6%), and F. moniliforme (3%). Year of grain production was the primary determinant of fungal contamination. Frequency of A. flavus isolation increased in the 17-20% and 20-22% grain moisture regimes, particularly at 25C. Aflatoxins averaged 174 ppb over all treatments, and increased up to 798 ppb at the high moisture regime at 25C. Frequency of F. chlamydosporum isolation increased at 85.6 and 91% rh. Nivalenol contamination averaged 0.07 ppm and generally increased in grain stored under 100% rh. Low levels of deoxynivalenol (0.00 - 0.13 ppm) and zearalenone (0.00 - 0.33 ppm) were detected.