187-21 In-Field Aflatoxin Estimation for Corn Production.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Henry Gonzalez Convention Center, Hall C, Street Level

Darrin Roberts1, Michael Cox2, Erick Larson3, W. Paul Williams4, Gary L. Windham4 and Tyson T. Poulsen1, (1)32 Creelman St., Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
(2)117 Dorman Hall, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
(3)Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
(4)USDA ARS, MISSISSIPPI STATE, MS
Aflatoxins are potent toxins which can substantially reduce corn grain productivity and marketability. Previous research has characterized spatial patterns of aflatoxin and its causal fungus Aspergillus flavus at the regional scale; limited research has been conducted at the farm and field scale. Soil properties or crop stress indicators could possibly provide a measure for aflatoxin risk areas within a cornfield. In 2010 a field study was established in Mississippi with the following objectives: (1) to evaluate the usefulness of soil properties, crop stress measurements during reproductive growth, corn earworm infestation, and remote sensing as indicators of spatial patterns of soil A. flavus levels and end of season grain aflatoxin levels, and (2) to identify areas of each field with increased risk for aflatoxin contamination and develop aflatoxin management zones. Measurements will be collected again in 2011, and zonal stability will be analyzed for the two years. Results could benefit producers by providing a method to guide site-specific application of aflatoxin biocontrol products currently being marketed. Additionally, results may also provide more information on specific soil and environmental conditions contributing to increased A. flavus and/or aflatoxin contamination. Research results will be presented at the 2011 international annual meetings.
See more from this Division: ASA Section: Agronomic Production Systems
See more from this Session: General Agronomic Production Systems: II