Aflatoxin Contamination of Corn in the Field

Abstract

Aflatoxin has been found in corn samples at all stages of development and maturity from the late milk stage until harvest. Insect damage was observed in 90% of the samples that showed bright greenish-yellow (BGY) fluorescence normally associated with the presence of aflatoxin in cotton seed and corn. A program of spraying insecticide, as recommended to sweet corn growers, reduced the incidence of worm damage an average of 97.7% and other insect damage an average of 92.1%. Stressed growing conditions, such as dense population of plants or reduced fertilization, appear to have a positive influence on the incidence of contamination by aflatoxin. The highest incidence of aflatoxin was found in the warmer, more humid growing regions of the country. © 1975, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.