Assessment of platforms for the reduction of mycotoxin contamination in heaped maize cobs

Abstract

This study assessed the potential of using platforms to control aflatoxins and fumonisin levels in heaped maize cobs (ears) in the field. The study set-up was a Randomized Complete Block Design with heaping ears on platforms, on bare ground, and tarpaulin on the ground as treatments. Four farm fields each in Koradaso-Dormaa Ahenkro and Garu in Bono and Upper East Regions of Ghana, respectively, were selected for the study. The fields served as experimental blocks (replications). Data on aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in maize were taken as soon as the heaps had been set up and at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days after heaping. Aflatoxin levels in maize ears reduced significantly or did not change in heaps on platforms over a 14-day period. In the case of heaps on the ground and tarpaulin, levels increased over a 14-day period. With the exception of heaping on the ground during the major season in the Middle Belt, aflatoxin and fumonisin levels were below the recommended safe threshold of 15 ppb and 4 ppm, respectively, in all the scenarios. The study showed that heaping maize on platforms mitigates mycotoxin contamination whereas heaping on the ground and tarpaulin exacerbate contamination.