Incidence and abundance of mycotoxins in maize in Rio Grande do sul, Brazil

Abstract

The levels of aflatoxins B₁, B₂, G₁, and G₂, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and sterigmatocystin were determined by thin‐layer chromatography in 36 samples of stored maize in the state of Rio Grande do Sul; the samples were obtained from May to September 1988, 23 samples were from silos and 13 samples were collected directly from farms. In 34.8% of the samples from silos aflatoxin B₁ + G₁ was detected in concentrations that varied from 12 to 906 μg/kg. In 13% of the samples from silos aflatoxin B₂ was detected in concentrations that varied from 48 to 180 μg/kg. In 9% of the samples from silos aflatoxin G₂ was detected in concentrations that varied from 6 to 11 μg/kg. In 23% of the samples collected directly from farms aflatoxin B₁ + G₁ was detected in concentrations that varied from 10 to 14 μg/kg. Ochratoxin A, zearalenone and sterigmatocystin were not detected at any time.