Ear Rot and Mycotoxin

Ear rots are showing up in some fields around the Midwest and that may require a slight change to your harvest schedule. Some of these ear molds have the potential to produce mycotoxins which could result in docks at the elevator or storage issues. It is important to note that not all molds are capable of producing mycotoxins, that is why proper identification is important.

The primary mycotoxins of interest to corn producers are aflatoxin, fumonisin and vomitoxin. Mycotoxin contaminated grain can be poisonous to livestock and humans. Milk, eggs, meat and other animal derived foods for human consumption are also contaminated. These toxins can cause heart issues, nervous system issues and have been shown to cause cancer among other things, so theses toxins should be taken seriously. The Food and Drug Administration has listed acceptable mycotoxin levels at www.FDA.gov and the National Corn Growers Association has provided a summary of acceptable aflatoxin and fumonisin at this link. 

Diplodia, Gibberella, Fusarium and Aspergillis are the most common ear rots. All may produce Mycotoxins except for Diplodia.  As we previously recommended, if ear rot is discovered:

1. Identify the ear rot and adjust management accordingly (see the ID section)
2. If the ear rot has been identified as a potential mycotoxin producer – collect a thorough and representative sample for testing.
3. Harvest ear rot infested fields as soon as possible and dry to less than 15% moisture.
4. Cool grain to less than 55 degrees. Some molds can continue to grow in storage.
5. Adjust combine to minimize grain damage.

Click to learn more in the Crop Bulletin Common Ear Rot.