Mycotoxin Levels Associated with Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) Infested Corn.

Ear rot fungi Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium verticillioides contaminate corn with aflatoxins and fumonisins each year and may pose significant health hazards and limit the marketability of U.S. corn. Aflatoxins and fumonisins are toxic metabolites. Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea, larvae cause significant damage to corn ears beginning at silking and continuing for several weeks. Direct kernel damage due to insect feeding is often accompanied by additional kernel damage due to the fungi these insects either introduce or allow entry through wound openings. The objective of this research was to evaluate mycotoxin levels from fall armyworm/corn earworm infested corn ears compared to ears where the insects were controlled with multiple insecticide applications. At harvest, individual ears were collected and categorized based on amount of insect damage and fungal development. Mycotoxin analysis will be conducted to determine aflatoxin and fumonisin levels. The research was conducted in Lubbock, Texas.