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Competency Area 3: Management of Infectious Plant Diseases

PO 25. Know the mycotoxins found in Northeast grain and silage, the fungus genera they are produced by, and how they are detected.

Mycotoxin: Deoxynivalenol (vomitoxin)
Predominant toxigenic mold: Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae)Causal fungus of Gibberellaear rot and stalk rot of corn;and Fusarium head blight ofwheat and barley
Lowest level of concern: 1-3 ppm for Gibberellaear rot and stalk rot of corn; <1 ppm Fusarium head blight ofwheat and barley.
Common effects on animals: Feed refusal and gastrointestinal upset and vomiting in animals with simple stomachs; severity increases with level. Swine and dogs are most sensitive; adult cattle and poultry tolerate >10 ppm. USDA guideline for human food product

Mycotoxin: Zearalenone
Predominant toxigenic mold: Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae)Causal fungus of Gibberellaear rot and stalk rot of corn;and Fusarium head blight ofwheat and barley
Lowest level of concern: 1-5 ppm
Common effects on animals: Hyperestrogenism and infertility. Swine (gilts) are most sensitive; adult cattle tolerate 50 ppm.

Mycotoxin: Fumonisins
Predominant toxigenic mold:Fusarium verticilloides; F. proliferatum. Causal fungi of Fusariumear rot and stalk rot of corn
Lowest level of concern: 5-10 ppm for Fusarium verticilloide; >100 ppm for F. proliferatum
Common effects on animals: Brain deterioration, death (horses); liver damage (horses, swine, cattle, poultry). Lung damage in swine