Effect of climate and type of storage container on aflatoxin production incorn and its associated risks to wildlife species

The effects of grain storage containers on aflatoxin production, and the re lationship between the level of aflatoxin and the number and weight of fluo rescing kernels were determined in corn (Zea maize) stored in controlled cl imate regimes. Two hundred and forty 100-g samples were held up to 3 mos us ing four types of storage containers placed in four climates. Storage conta iners included corn placed in metal cans, paper bags, plastic bags, and pap er bags placed in plastic bags. Climates were constant during the duration of the project and included a combination of temperatures and humidities. T emperatures were 29-32 C and 14-18 C; relative humidities were 85-88% and 3 5-40%. In addition, corn was exposed to environmental conditions conductive for aflatoxin production and. 100 g samples were randomly collected, exami ned under ultraviolet light for fluorescence, and then quantified. for afla toxin levels. Corn samples tested negative for aflatoxin at the beginning o f the project. Main (i.e., container, climate, and month) and interactive e ffects were not observed. Mean levels of aflatoxin ranged from 0 to 151 mu g/kg. Aflatoxin was produced regardless of type of storage container, time of storage, and climatic conditions: however, only 8% of the samples produc ed aflatoxin levels that exceeded 50 mu g/kg. Fluorescing corn ranged from 0 to 19 kernels per sample, while aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 to 1.375 m u g/kg for the same samples. No relationships were found between the number and weight of fluorescing kernels of corn and aflatoxin levels. The black light test yielded a false negative rate of 23% when in fact the aflatoxin concentrations exceeded 50 mu g/kg. Therefore, quantifying fluorescing grai n under UV light should not be considered a feasible alternative for aflato xin testing of grain intended for wildlife.