Influence of agricultural practices on Fusarium infection, fumonisin and deoxynivalenol contamination of maize kernels

Mycotoxins in cereals are an economic and health problem. They are mainly produced in the field and are influenced by environmental conditions during ripening and by agricultural practices. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of combined agronomic techniques on fumonisins and deoxynivalenol contamination in maize kernels. Six experimental fields were prepared in North Italy from 2005 to 2007. Two hybrids with different maturity times and 6 different combinations of agricultural practices (sowing time, plant density, N fertilisation and European corn borer (ECB) control with insecticide) were compared for ECB incidence and severity, Fusarium ear rot incidence and severity, E verticillioides and E graminearum kernel infection and fumonisin and deoxynivalenol contamination. In temperate climates, where ECB attack is consistent, the production of maize kernels with a low fumonisin content can be enhanced by a correct insecticide application against second-generation ECB larvae and by an early sowing date. In this study the application of the most careful practice led to a reduction in the Fusarium ear rot severity and fumonisin by 62% and 91%, respectively, compared to the worst practice. The fumonisin levels were less affected by N fertility, plant density and hybrid maturity. The presence of deoxynivalenol is related to late sowing and harvesting times, late maturity hybrids, high plant density and N fertilisation. The insecticide treatments did not significantly reduce deoxynivalenol contamination. The data in this study clearly show that the application of good agricultural practices in crop management strategies can effectively lead to good control of fumonisins and deoxynivalenol.