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Managing the Fusarium mycotoxin risk in wheat

Results of a five year study of agronomic risk factors associated with fusarium mycotoxins, funded by the Food Standards Agency and HGCA, are summarised in terms of 'good agricultural practice' in a new HGCA Topic Sheet. This will help growers minimise mycotoxin risk and demonstrate due diligence.

From July this year, new legal EU limits for mycotoxins apply to grain intended for human consumption. The mycotoxins covered are deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEAR). To prepare for this legislation, HGCA has been working with the Food Standards Agency to investigate the main risk factors.

"Looking at the UK wheat crop as a whole, only a tiny proportion of the hundreds of samples tested have exceeded the new limits in recent seasons," said Dr Roger Williams, HGCA assistant research director. "But it is important that growers are aware that agricultural practice can help to minimise the risk of mycotoxin contamination."

"The new Topic Sheet is based on results drawn from research over the last five years, which looked at more than 300 grain samples collected ex-combine annually from conventional and organic crops," said Dr Simon Edwards, who led the project at Harper Adams University College. "Concentrations of DON and ZEAR were determined and were related to data on region and crop agronomy."

Analysis of agronomic practises showed that several factors had an effect on DON concentration. The previous crop was important with maize presenting by far the greatest risk. In general, risk increased when land was minimally cultivated rather than ploughed.

T3 triazole sprays significantly reduced DON concentration.  This confirmed previous field trial studies which identified the importance of using a half to full rate application of a fungicide recommended for fusarium ear blight control.

"Variety had a limited effect on mycotoxin levels, but varieties with greater resistance to fusarium should be selected whenever practical," said Dr Simon Edwards.

Risk varied from year to year but was greatest in the warmest areas in south and east England and lowest in cooler, more northerly regions in northern England and Scotland.

The five year project was jointly funded by the Food Standards Agency and HGCA.

Further information is available on HGCA Topic Sheet no 91 'Managing the Fusarium mycotoxin risk in wheat'. To download the sheet click here

Release date: 12 June 2006

For further information contact

Dr Roger Williams, HGCA Assistant Research Director, 020 7520 3934 roger.williams@hgca.com

Madeleine Archer, HGCA Press Officer, 020 7520 3926 madeleine.archer@hgca.com

 

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