U.S. and Canada Corn
Samples of corn grain collected across the U.S. and Canada contained multiple mycotoxins, with an average of 6.9 mycotoxins per sample — more than 3.9 mycotoxins more, on average, than what was seen during the same period in 2017.
Just like in previous years, the occurrence rates of type B trichothecenes, fumonisins, and fusaric acid remain high, as they were detected in over 80 percent of samples. The occurrence of zearalenones has also increased, with a presence in almost 24 percent of samples.
The average concentration of type B trichothecenes (DON group) was 677 parts per billion (ppb), but this varied greatly by region, with the maximum level detected at 6,925 ppb. Fumonisin concentration also varied greatly by region, with an average of 5,501 ppb and a maximum of 59,117 ppb – by far the most prevalent in average concentrations.
Although its average concentration was lower, some very high levels of type A trichothecenes (T2/HT2-toxin group) have been detected at up to 619 ppb. Furthermore, zearalenone levels in corn averaged 94 ppb, with maximums up to 2,535 ppb.
U.S. and Canada Corn Silage
Mycotoxins in U.S. and Canada corn silage samples also show an increase in occurrence this year, with an average of 6.6 mycotoxins per sample, compared to last year’s average of 4.6. While the type B trichothecenes (DON group) harvests are similar between 2017 and 2018, the occurrence and concentrations of zearalenone have been greater in 2018 corn silage.
Type A trichothecenes (T-2/HT-2 toxins group) have also been detected at a greater occurrence in 2018 corn silage, at 42 percent, which is double what was seen in 2017. Fumonisins also remain a frequent co-contaminant.
The average concentration of type B trichothecenes was 2,141 ppb, but this varied greatly by region, with a maximum level detected of 17,133 ppb. Fumonisin concentration also varied, with a maximum of 40,623 ppb.
The average concentration of type A trichothecenes was at 41 ppb, with some very high levels of up to 2,395 ppb. Furthermore, zearalenone levels in corn silage averaged at 407 ppb, with maximums of up to 4,021 ppb.
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