Deoxynivalenol, nivalenol and moniliformin in wheat samples with head blight (scab) symptoms in Poland (1998-2000)

Fusarium head blight (scab) epidemics of wheat occurred in Zulawy (Northern Poland) during 1998 and in Wielkopolska (West) and in Southern regions of Poland in 1999. Four species were identified in wheat heads with scab symptoms: Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium avenaceum and Microdochium nivale. A significant increase in the frequency of F. graminearum (between 23% and 38%), was observed, compared to about 10% during the previous decade. The mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV) and moniliformin (MON) in amounts up to 24.3, 14.2 and 1.72 mg kg(-1) respectively, were identified in kernels samples.