Fungal and mycotoxin contamination in Bt corn and non Bt corn growing in Argentina

BARROS G.G.; MAGNOLI C.E.; REYNOSO M.M.; RAMIREZ M L; FARNOCHI M. C.; TORRES A. M.; DALCERO A.; SEQUEIRA J.; RUBINSTEIN C.; CHULZE S.N.

World Mycotoxin Journal

Wageningen Academic Publishers

Lugar: Wageningen; Año: 2009 vol. 2 p. 53 - 60

1875-0710

A Bt corn hybrid and its non-transgenic counterpart harvested during 2002/03 and 2003/04 harvest seasons from different localities within the corn-growing area in Argentina were compared for fungal and mycotoxin contamination. Mycological analysis showed that Fusarium species were the most prevalent in both genotypes, the isolation frequency reaching 60% across all locations. Differences in infection percentages between genotypes were observed, levels were lower in Bt corn than non Bt corn (P < 0.05). Statistical analysis on genotypes, fungicide treatment, fungal infection and their interactions found not significant differences. Fumonisins were detected in 100% of the samples across all locations and genotypes. Total fumonisin levels (FB1, FB2 and FB3) in the Bt and the non Bt hybrid were statistically significantly different (P < 0.001), with lower levels in Bt corn in all locations evaluated during the two harvest season, except in one locality. There was no apparent difference in DON levels between Bt corn and non Bt control. Application of the fungicideTebuconazole showed no effect on fungal infection and toxin levels in the Bt and non Bt corn hybrid.