NCGA offering research grants to address aflatoxin issues

AMCOE’s Research Program will again offer grants for projects focused on solving profit-robbing aflatoxin issues for farmers. These grants, which will be awarded to researchers focusing on one of six priority areas, were designed by Southern corn checkoff boards to bring a unified approach to funding research projects across the region and will therefore favor research teams that include members from multiple states.

The six priority areas for projects funded for 2022 are biological control, transgenic modification, plant breeding, amelioration technology, best management strategies and improved testing procedures.

“Through the efforts of the Aflatoxin Mitigation Center for Excellence, substantial progress has been made in understanding and managing aflatoxin and other mycotoxins,” said Texas corn grower and AMCOE Committee Chair Charles Ring. “Working with Southern state grower associations including Texas, Louisiana, Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina, NCGA administers AMCOE to create a united approach to aflatoxin research. Our primary goal is to deliver advanced strategies, tools and results to growers.”

Aflatoxin is a term generally used to refer to a group of extremely toxic chemicals produced by two molds, Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. The toxins can be produced when these molds, or fungi, attack and grow on certain plants and plant products.

In the United States, aflatoxin production occurs when A. flavus and A.parasiticus attack peanuts, cottonseed, white and yellow corn, certain nuts and wheat. Most of the aflatoxin problems on corn in the United States are caused by A. flavus, and the most potent toxin produced by this mold is called aflatoxin B1. Drought, extreme heat and corn ear injury from insect feeding can stress the corn and create an environment favorable to these molds and to aflatoxin production.

Aflatoxins pose a low-level threat to U.S. food safety because regulations and testing by federal agencies and industry exclude contaminated products from the food supply. Generally, these programs have been successful in protecting U.S. consumers from aflatoxin-contaminated food.

Mycotoxins are substances produced by fungi that are harmful to animal and human health. Mycotoxins can be produced in grain during storage or processing, but they are most frequently associated with a fungal infection that occurs before harvest.

The most common mycotoxins that affect corn in Indiana include aflatoxin, fumonisins, zearalenone and vomitoxin. Aflatoxins are associated with Aspergillus species of fungi that are more common during dry years. The Office of Indiana State Chemist tests feeds and ingredients for mycotoxins. Testing looks for aflatoxin, fumonisin, zearalenone, T-2 toxin and vomitoxin. Animals vary in their reaction to these toxins.

While corn farmers in Southern states experience aflatoxin challenges every year, these challenges may present themselves in any corn region of the United States when the crop comes under stress. Thus, the benefits of such research, particularly as outlined in the six priority areas, are truly national in scope. Proposals will be considered regardless of the parties’ geographic region. Any state wishing to provide additional funding for AMCOE is encouraged to do so.

To learn more about AMCOE or corn research news, visit ncga.com/key-issues/other-topics/research.