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Monitor risk of fusarium mycotoxins

All the samples in the Defra/HGCA funded winter wheat survey (which underpins CropMonitor) have now been assessed and the species responsible determined.  Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogens were isolated from 86% of the 292 samples received.

Isolations have shown that the predominant pathogens found were Microdochium species (M. nivale and M. majus - both non-toxin producers).  These species were isolated from 70% of samples, with an average of 9% ears affected per sample. 

F. culmorum and F. graminearum (deoxynivalenol (DON) producers) were isolated from 13 and 26% of samples respectively.

Some regional differences were seen, with the East Midlands and South West of England having higher levels of F. graminearum than other parts of the country.

More details on incidence and distribution of FHB pathogens can be found at www.cropmonitor.co.uk.

As levels of Microdochium species are high this year, there is an increased need for seed testing and subsequently for appropriate seed treatment to control Microdochium seedling blight (see HGCA's wheat seed health and seed-borne diseases - a guide).

Of the first 118 wheat grain samples analysed for mycotoxins, as part of the CropMonitor project, the average DON content was 306 parts per billion (ppb). This is slightly higher than the five year average (2002-2006) of 217 ppb. However, only 3.4% of samples exceeded 1250 ppb DON (the legal limit for grain intended for human consumption). 

"This is slightly higher than the five year average of samples which exceeded 1250 ppb from 2002-2006 (2.2%) but lower than the percentage of samples which exceeded this limit in 2004 (5.5%), which was considered a bad year for DON," said Dr Roger Williams, HGCA's assistant research director.  

The incidence and concentration of zearalenone is low this year compared to recent years.  Only 1.7% of samples exceeded 100 ppb zearalenone (the legal limit for grain intended for human consumption.  This compares to an average of 2.9% for 2002-2006.  All wheat samples analysed to date have been suitable for use in animal feedstuffs based on European Commission guidelines.

If growers are concerned that grain intended for human consumption may be above legal limits for fusarium mycotoxins due to a high risk assessment score, presence of visual symptoms of Fusarium Head Blight in the crop, or presence of fusarium damaged grains in the harvested sample, then they should have the grain tested.  For details of fusarium mycotoxin tests please refer to the HGCA Guidelines to minimise risk of fusarium mycotoxins in cereals.

Release date: 27 September 2007

For further information contact
Roger Williams, HGCA Assistant Director of Research, 020 7520 3934 roger.williams@hgca.com

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