Figure 1: Gibberella ear rot – Red/pink mould which often begins on ear tip.

Plan to assess corn fields for ear rot and mycotoxin risk

Moulds can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has begun sampling grower corn fields to determine ear mould incidence and occurrence of mycotoxins in the grain. The mycotoxins, particularly vomitoxin (DON) produced primarily by Gibberella ear moulds, can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs. Why it matters: The annual survey is designed […] Read more

Dave Hooker talks about mycotoxins in corn at the Bayer Dead Weeds tour.

Managing corn mycotoxins needs scouting, hybrid choice

Farmer can reduce risk of mycotoxins, including through insect and spore management

Generally dry conditions have reduced the threat of mycotoxins in corn this year, although rains during humid days could change that as corn moves to tasselling and silking. However, Dave Hooker, of the University of Guelph’s Ridgetown College, says that historical monitoring of mycotoxin levels by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs […] Read more