Impact of AF-36 Field Application on Aflatoxin Levels in Silage Corn at Different Harvest Moistures.

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic mycotoxins produced by some strains of the common fungus, Aspergillus flavus, and other aspergillus species. Due to the injurious nature of aflatoxins, long standing maximum allowable levels have been established for both food and feed. For feed, the allowable limit ranges from 20-300 parts per billion (ppb) and for milk, the limit is 0.5 ppb. The purpose of this study is to determine the potential impact of atoxigenic technology (AF-36) on levels of aflatoxin producing fungi in the soil and harvested silage corn and associated aflatoxin levels in insilage. Corn silage with be harvested at appropriated moisture levels and silage samples will be collected from all fields for analysis. Treated and untreated silage will be kept separate and go through the storage process (at diary operation). Samples of silage will also be taken after storage to monitor for aflatoxin development, and vegetative compatibility groups (VCG) analysis. If the aflatoxin levels are above the limit then the feed and food must be destroyed. This can result in great losses to growers and dairies.