on November 14 | in Ag News | by Jodie Deprez | with No Comments

By Ben Rosser, OMAFRA Corn Specialist, co-authored with Albert Tenuta, OMAFRA Field Crop Pathologist
OMAFRA field crop staff with the assistance from members of the Ontario Agri-Business Association (OABA) have completed the annual Provincial corn ear mould and mycotoxin survey. These mycotoxins, particularly vomitoxin (DON) produced primarily by Gibberella/Fusarium ear moulds can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs. The purpose of the annual survey is to assess grower and industry risk. Eighty-six percent of the samples tested low (<2.00 ppm) which bodes well for the 2017 Ontario corn crop.

From October 7th to 19th, a total of 179 corn ear samples were collected from across the province and rated for visible ear mould infection. Five consecutive ears were pulled from four random locations throughout a field. After recording pictures to document the presence of moulds, insect, bird feeding damage, etc, samples were placed into driers as soon as possible after collection. Dry ears were shelled and mixed through a sample splitter and delivered to SGS Agri-Food Laboratories in Guelph for vomitoxin (DON) analysis.

Results

Of the 179 samples collected:

• 69% (124) had a DON concentration of less than 0.5 ppm;
• 17% (30) had a DON concentration between 0.5 and 2.0 ppm;
• 14% (25) had a DON concentration of 2.0 ppm or greater

  While visual mould symptoms were apparent in some samples, they were much less pronounced than the 2016 survey, and more in line with what is observed most years.

  Vomitoxin analysis revealed DON concentrations lower than 2016, although incidences of elevated DON concentrations were still slightly higher than the long term average. The vast majority of the samples (86%) tested below 2 ppm but as we state every year, growers need to be vigilant and assess each of the fields for the presence of disease, insect feeding, hybrid performance, etc.

  It is important to note that 5 of the 25 fields which had DON levels >2ppm were included in the survey because the growers had observed ear rots and were concerned. If these 5 fields are removed, the results would change slightly ( 71% (<0.5ppm), 17% (0.50 to <2.00 ppm) and 12% (=2.00 ppm).

  Feeding Damage

  Ear feeding by pests, particularly Western Bean Cutworm (WBC), and in a few cases, birds, presented an opportunity for greater mould infestation in some samples.

  In other samples with light WBC feeding, mould and vomitoxin appeared relatively low to non-existent, suggesting that while ear damage may predispose risk, increased mould or vomitoxin levels were not a certainty.

  Visual mould and elevated vomitoxin levels were also observed in samples with little or no feeding injury. WBC damage also seemed more apparent in areas which may not have traditionally received high WBC pressure, such as central Ontario. Growers in these areas may need to start monitoring WBC in the future.

  For the complete report, visit: fieldcropnews.com.

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