This survey assessed maize ear rot and aflatoxin contamination in the Kakamega region of Kenya. Over 300 farmers were sampled from harvest through storage. Of 1049 ears examined, 419 showed ear rot, mostly from Fusarium fungus. Aflatoxin tests of 116 samples found levels below 6 ppb in all but one, suggesting low preharvest risk. While ear rot prevalence was high, conditions are not optimal for aflatoxin-producing fungi. Proper drying and storage can further reduce contamination risks, ensuring safe, quality maize for the region.
The Importance of Hygienic Flooring in Food & Beverage Processing EnvironmentsFlowcrete Group Ltd
Flowcrete understands that hygiene is of critical importance in food and beverage processing environments and with Flowfresh, Flowcrete's range of ultra-hygienic cementitious urethane flooring, the solution begin at ground level.
Bioassay of insecticides against three honey bee species in laboratory condit...Muhammad Qasim
A study was conducted at the Eco-toxicology laboratory in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, against three species Apis florea, A. dorsata and A. mellifera of honey bees, to check long-term survival of honeybees when exposed to different insecticides. In this study, we used a modeling approach regarding survival data of caged bees under chronic exposure to seven insecticides (Carbosulfan, Chlorpyrifos, Bifenthrin, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, Emamectin benzoate and Imidacloprid), having three replicates and four concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 125 and 0 ppm). We demonstrate the chronic toxicity induced by these insecticides. Laboratory bioassay of these insecticides showed that carbosulfan and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 4 hours in each case for A. mellifera, chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 5 hours in each case for A. florea whereas chlorpyrifos was the most toxic at high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 5 hours for A. dorsata. However, LT50 of spinosad was increased up to 18 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. mellifera, LT50 of spinosad was increased up to 15 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. florea as well as LT50 of spinosad and Emamectin benzoate was increased up to 20 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. dorsata. However, LT50 of all controlled species was 91-103 hrs.
Expunerea cu titlul "Tratamentele anti varroa, sănătatea albinelor şi calitatea mierii"prezentata de Dr. Zbigniew Lipinski, Varşovia, Polonia, cercetător în apicultură, specialist în patologia insectelor utile cu ocazia simpozionului Priorităţi în apicultura zilelor noastre”, Bucuresti, 6 iunie 2008, la Universităţii de Ştiinţe Agronomice şi Medicină Veterinară Bucureşti
Occurrence of Aflatoxin Levels in Harvest and Stored Groundnut Kernels in Kad...iosrjce
The occurrence of moulds and aflatoxins in groundnut kernels are of great concern to food
processors and consumers because of their ability to cause spoilage resulting to economic losses and public
health problem such as aflatoxicosis. This study was aimed at determining the presence of Aspergillus species
and aflatoxin levels in fresh harvested and stored groundnuts kernels from non-mechanized groundnut oil
processors in parts of Kaduna State. Enumeration and identification of Aspergillus spp of groundnut kernels;
freshly harvested and stored samples were carried out using standard methods. Aflatoxin levels were
determined using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The result showed that both harvest and stored
products had significantly (P<0.05) higher number of samples containing Aspergillus flavus than Aspergillus
parasiticus. The four Aspergillus species isolated in descending order were: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
parasiticus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. Though only about 9.02% of the total 260 samples
screened had aflatoxin levels above the 20ppb recommended standard limit by Nigeria National Agency for
Food and Drug Administration and Control, it was obvious that the persistent detection of moulds and total
aflatoxin in this research could be a health threat to both human and animal groundnut products (cake and oil)
consumers.
The Importance of Hygienic Flooring in Food & Beverage Processing EnvironmentsFlowcrete Group Ltd
Flowcrete understands that hygiene is of critical importance in food and beverage processing environments and with Flowfresh, Flowcrete's range of ultra-hygienic cementitious urethane flooring, the solution begin at ground level.
Bioassay of insecticides against three honey bee species in laboratory condit...Muhammad Qasim
A study was conducted at the Eco-toxicology laboratory in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, against three species Apis florea, A. dorsata and A. mellifera of honey bees, to check long-term survival of honeybees when exposed to different insecticides. In this study, we used a modeling approach regarding survival data of caged bees under chronic exposure to seven insecticides (Carbosulfan, Chlorpyrifos, Bifenthrin, Spinosad, Indoxacarb, Emamectin benzoate and Imidacloprid), having three replicates and four concentrations (1000, 500, 250, 125 and 0 ppm). We demonstrate the chronic toxicity induced by these insecticides. Laboratory bioassay of these insecticides showed that carbosulfan and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 4 hours in each case for A. mellifera, chlorpyrifos and imidacloprid were the most toxic at their high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 5 hours in each case for A. florea whereas chlorpyrifos was the most toxic at high dose (1000 ppm) with LT50 of 5 hours for A. dorsata. However, LT50 of spinosad was increased up to 18 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. mellifera, LT50 of spinosad was increased up to 15 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. florea as well as LT50 of spinosad and Emamectin benzoate was increased up to 20 hrs with decreasing concentrations at 125 ppm against A. dorsata. However, LT50 of all controlled species was 91-103 hrs.
Expunerea cu titlul "Tratamentele anti varroa, sănătatea albinelor şi calitatea mierii"prezentata de Dr. Zbigniew Lipinski, Varşovia, Polonia, cercetător în apicultură, specialist în patologia insectelor utile cu ocazia simpozionului Priorităţi în apicultura zilelor noastre”, Bucuresti, 6 iunie 2008, la Universităţii de Ştiinţe Agronomice şi Medicină Veterinară Bucureşti
Occurrence of Aflatoxin Levels in Harvest and Stored Groundnut Kernels in Kad...iosrjce
The occurrence of moulds and aflatoxins in groundnut kernels are of great concern to food
processors and consumers because of their ability to cause spoilage resulting to economic losses and public
health problem such as aflatoxicosis. This study was aimed at determining the presence of Aspergillus species
and aflatoxin levels in fresh harvested and stored groundnuts kernels from non-mechanized groundnut oil
processors in parts of Kaduna State. Enumeration and identification of Aspergillus spp of groundnut kernels;
freshly harvested and stored samples were carried out using standard methods. Aflatoxin levels were
determined using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The result showed that both harvest and stored
products had significantly (P<0.05) higher number of samples containing Aspergillus flavus than Aspergillus
parasiticus. The four Aspergillus species isolated in descending order were: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
parasiticus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. Though only about 9.02% of the total 260 samples
screened had aflatoxin levels above the 20ppb recommended standard limit by Nigeria National Agency for
Food and Drug Administration and Control, it was obvious that the persistent detection of moulds and total
aflatoxin in this research could be a health threat to both human and animal groundnut products (cake and oil)
consumers.
Hello! Here you will learn all about Simple Present in English, having into account all the grammatical rules that this tense implies to use and some exercises that will help you know if you understand the topic.
Hoping you like it and enjoy it.
This study was explored to determine the effect of the grain
yield and its related characteristics on 10 open-pollinated maize varieties and
their 45 F1 hybrids using correlation and path coefficient analysis. A two-year
study was conducted on maize genotypes at the University of Ilorin Teaching
and Research Farm Ilorin, Nigeria, during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons.
Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for
days to 50% tasselling with plant and ear height, and grain yield with plant
height, number of grains ear-1 and ear weight. Positive and significant
environmental correlation was also recorded for grain yield with plant and ear
height, and ear weight. The path analysis revealed that, days to 50% silking,
ear weight and number of grains ear-1 had the highest direct effect on grain
yield, while number of grains ear-1 had the highest moderate indirect negative
effects on grain yield. Days to flowering, plant and ear height, number of grains
ear-1 and ear weight could be the important selection criteria in improving open
pollinated maize varieties and hybrids for high grain yield.
Dynamic of bruchid egg-laying in cowpea-based cropping systems: importance fo...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— In West Africa, the pods of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., are often infested with eggs of the main bruchid species, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. and Bruchidius atrolineatus Pic in the fields resulting in significant post-harvest losses. An experiment was carried out from 2010 to 2011, at Gampela in central Burkina Faso, to identify the optimal period of the oophagous parasitoid (Uscana lariophaga Stef.) releases in cowpea –based intercropping systems, in order to minimize or supress the initial infestation of cowpea pods. During both years of study a relatively low number of bruchid eggs was noticed on the pods (60-130 eggs/100 pods). However, there was significantly a larger number of eggs laid in monocrops in comparison to intercrops. Natural global parasitism of bruchid eggs by Uscana lariophaga ranged 20-45% but was significantly higher in intercrops where parasitism peaks >50% were sometimes reached. Comparative analysis of bruchid egg laying and their parasitism showed that cowpea infestation gradually increased whereas parasitism decreased. Given these results we discuss and suggest that cowpea be produced in millet intercropping systems and combined with releases of U lariophaga in the fields specifically during cowpea pod setting.
Evaluation of rice genotypes for resistance to the stalk-eyed fly (Diopsis lo...Innspub Net
Globally, rice production is limited by abiotic and biotic factors. Of the insect pests attacking rice, the stalk-eyed fly is the most abundant. Major rice growing districts in Uganda are affected, and varieties grown by farmers are susceptible. The objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to stalk-eyed flies among improved rice genotypes in Uganda. Fifty genotypes from the Africa Rice Centre, IRRI, South Korea and the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Uganda were screened under cage and field conditions at NaCRRI. Trials were laid out in an alpha lattice design, with 3 replications, for both experiments. Natural infestation (D. longicornis or D. apicalis) was used in the field while cage trials utilized artificial infestation with D. longicornis. Data on deadhearts were collected from seedling to tillering stages, at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Analyses of variance were performed using restricted maximum likelihood. Infestation levels for 31 (62%) rice genotypes were the same under both field and cage conditions, 4 (8%) genotypes showed higher susceptibility in the cage than in the field and 15 (30%) were more resistant in the cage than in the field. Genotypes NERICA 4, TXD306, NM7-22-11-B-P-1-1 and K85 were identified as the most resistant varieties. F3 genotypes (GSR IR1- 5-S14-S2-Y1 x K85, Gigante x NERICA4, NERICA4 x Gigante, NERICA1x NERICA4, NERICA4 x NERICA6, and NERICA4 x SUPA) were also found resistant. These genotypes were recommended for release and further advancement, respectively.
Summary. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora is an important tracheomycotic fungus involved in different syndromes
of the esca disease complex affecting young and mature grapevine plants. Although grapevine planting material
is frequently infected by this pathogen, no regular screening to detect the fungus is carried out, mainly due to
the lack of fast, sensitive and affordable methods for large-scale application. A monoclonal antibody-based triple
antibody sandwich (TAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to specifically detect Pa.
chlamydospora from grapevine wood tissues. This assay could be especially useful for large-scale application in
nurseries, to ensure Pa. chlamydospora-free grapevine stocks, and thus contributing to the production of healthy
propagation material.
DOI: 10.14601/Phytopathol_Mediterr-11860
Hello! Here you will learn all about Simple Present in English, having into account all the grammatical rules that this tense implies to use and some exercises that will help you know if you understand the topic.
Hoping you like it and enjoy it.
This study was explored to determine the effect of the grain
yield and its related characteristics on 10 open-pollinated maize varieties and
their 45 F1 hybrids using correlation and path coefficient analysis. A two-year
study was conducted on maize genotypes at the University of Ilorin Teaching
and Research Farm Ilorin, Nigeria, during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons.
Positive and significant phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for
days to 50% tasselling with plant and ear height, and grain yield with plant
height, number of grains ear-1 and ear weight. Positive and significant
environmental correlation was also recorded for grain yield with plant and ear
height, and ear weight. The path analysis revealed that, days to 50% silking,
ear weight and number of grains ear-1 had the highest direct effect on grain
yield, while number of grains ear-1 had the highest moderate indirect negative
effects on grain yield. Days to flowering, plant and ear height, number of grains
ear-1 and ear weight could be the important selection criteria in improving open
pollinated maize varieties and hybrids for high grain yield.
Dynamic of bruchid egg-laying in cowpea-based cropping systems: importance fo...Agriculture Journal IJOEAR
Abstract— In West Africa, the pods of cowpea, Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., are often infested with eggs of the main bruchid species, Callosobruchus maculatus Fab. and Bruchidius atrolineatus Pic in the fields resulting in significant post-harvest losses. An experiment was carried out from 2010 to 2011, at Gampela in central Burkina Faso, to identify the optimal period of the oophagous parasitoid (Uscana lariophaga Stef.) releases in cowpea –based intercropping systems, in order to minimize or supress the initial infestation of cowpea pods. During both years of study a relatively low number of bruchid eggs was noticed on the pods (60-130 eggs/100 pods). However, there was significantly a larger number of eggs laid in monocrops in comparison to intercrops. Natural global parasitism of bruchid eggs by Uscana lariophaga ranged 20-45% but was significantly higher in intercrops where parasitism peaks >50% were sometimes reached. Comparative analysis of bruchid egg laying and their parasitism showed that cowpea infestation gradually increased whereas parasitism decreased. Given these results we discuss and suggest that cowpea be produced in millet intercropping systems and combined with releases of U lariophaga in the fields specifically during cowpea pod setting.
Evaluation of rice genotypes for resistance to the stalk-eyed fly (Diopsis lo...Innspub Net
Globally, rice production is limited by abiotic and biotic factors. Of the insect pests attacking rice, the stalk-eyed fly is the most abundant. Major rice growing districts in Uganda are affected, and varieties grown by farmers are susceptible. The objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance to stalk-eyed flies among improved rice genotypes in Uganda. Fifty genotypes from the Africa Rice Centre, IRRI, South Korea and the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) in Uganda were screened under cage and field conditions at NaCRRI. Trials were laid out in an alpha lattice design, with 3 replications, for both experiments. Natural infestation (D. longicornis or D. apicalis) was used in the field while cage trials utilized artificial infestation with D. longicornis. Data on deadhearts were collected from seedling to tillering stages, at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Analyses of variance were performed using restricted maximum likelihood. Infestation levels for 31 (62%) rice genotypes were the same under both field and cage conditions, 4 (8%) genotypes showed higher susceptibility in the cage than in the field and 15 (30%) were more resistant in the cage than in the field. Genotypes NERICA 4, TXD306, NM7-22-11-B-P-1-1 and K85 were identified as the most resistant varieties. F3 genotypes (GSR IR1- 5-S14-S2-Y1 x K85, Gigante x NERICA4, NERICA4 x Gigante, NERICA1x NERICA4, NERICA4 x NERICA6, and NERICA4 x SUPA) were also found resistant. These genotypes were recommended for release and further advancement, respectively.
Summary. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora is an important tracheomycotic fungus involved in different syndromes
of the esca disease complex affecting young and mature grapevine plants. Although grapevine planting material
is frequently infected by this pathogen, no regular screening to detect the fungus is carried out, mainly due to
the lack of fast, sensitive and affordable methods for large-scale application. A monoclonal antibody-based triple
antibody sandwich (TAS) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to specifically detect Pa.
chlamydospora from grapevine wood tissues. This assay could be especially useful for large-scale application in
nurseries, to ensure Pa. chlamydospora-free grapevine stocks, and thus contributing to the production of healthy
propagation material.
DOI: 10.14601/Phytopathol_Mediterr-11860
The Efficacy of Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Powder on Cowpea Beetle, Callosobru...Premier Publishers
The efficacy of Alchornea cordifolia leaf powder was investigated against cowpea beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus on stored cowpea in the laboratory. The tested leaf powder was added as admixtures to 20 g of cowpea grains at the following rates of at 0 (control), 3, 4, and 5g % (w/w) while in the control treatment there was no plant material added. Each of the treatments was tested by exposing five pairs of adult beetles in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to assess oviposition deterrent and egg hatching suppression by the plant material. The results showed that oviposition and percentage egg hatched were significantly (P <0.05) suppressed on seeds treated with higher dosage level of the powder. Leaf powder with the concentration of 5g% (w/w)/20g cowpea seeds was most effective in suppressing oviposition and egg hatched. Thus, the result revealed that A. cordifolia leaf powder has oviposition deterrent and ovicidal properties and as such can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for controlling C. maculatus infestation on stored cowpea grains. Therefore A. cordifolia leaf powder can be incorporated into traditional storage pest management as well as integrated pest management and it may strongly recommended in developing countries.
Toxic Effects of some Pungent Smelling Seed Extracts and Powders on Sitophilu...Premier Publishers
Sitophilus zeamais is a notorious field-to-store pest of maize in the Tropic. The use of chemical insecticides, regardless of its adverse effects has been the major means of managing this pest. In this study, bio-insecticides of plant origin was used to control maize weevil in the store. The dry fruits of Capsicum frutescens, Piper guineense and Aframomum melegueta were extracted with ethanol, using Soxhlet apparatus. The extracts and powders were evaluated on S. zeamais Motschulsky for mortality, oviposition and adult emergence. The long term storage of the treated maize was also investigated. The results obtained shows that all extracts and powders from C. frutescens and P. guineense caused 100 % mortality by day 12 of exposure with all extract concentrations and doses of powder applied. Powders of A. melegueta was able to achieve 100 % mortality only by day 12 of exposure. The extracts also suppressed oviposition and subsequent adult emergence. Extracts and powders of A. melegueta and P. guineense completely prevented infestation and hence damage of the treated maize grains for a period of three months. The result obtained suggests that extracts and powders of the test plants most especially that of P. guineense and C. frutescens can be utilized in protecting stored maize grains from infestation by S. zeamais.
ICRISAT Research Program West and Central Africa 2016 Highlights- Aflatoxin c...ICRISAT
Awareness of aflatoxin contamination is being raised in northern regions of Ghana to combat the adverse economic, health and nutritional consequences, especially among rural communities.
Comparative effectiveness of the powders of some underutilized
20151109_BPP_Kenya_v_2
1. Survey of ear rot and aflatoxin contamination
of maize in the Kakamega Region, Kenya
Timothy Tubbs and Dr. Charles Woloshuk
Purdue University, Botany and Plant Pathology Department
Introduction
Farmers in the Kakamega region rely on maize as one
of their major contributors of calories. With an annual
rainfall of 128 cm per year, Kakamega receives an abun-
dance of water throughout the year, which suggest that
the incident of Aspergillus flavus disease is low risk. The
high elevation of the region also provides temperatures
cooler than those conducive for this ear rot. At har-
vest, stalks are either stack into stooks or piled on the
ground so farmers can prepare fields for the next crop.
Ears are brought back to the farmhouse where the husks
are removed. The drying process begins the by plac-
ing the ears on plastic tarps in the sun or inside. The
grain is hand shelled from the ears and drying contin-
ues on the plastic tarps. Rain, which occurs almost daily,
becomes an important factor during grain drying and
storage. Grain dried and stored incorrectly has a high
risk of A. flavus growth and aflatoxin accumulation. Af-
latoxin contamination is a major concern as was seen
with the aflatoxin outbreak in Kenya 2004 resulting in
the death of 125 people (CDC 2004) with a total of 314
cases. My goal in the survey was to assess preharvest
ear rots and determine where along the harvest-to-stor-
age process aflatoxin contamination is most prevalent .
Objectives
1. Assess the prevalence of ear rot in the field
2. Determine aflatoxin contamination from the field-to-
storage
Objective 1
A total of 1049 ears from 230 farms was examined. The ears were
taken from unharvested plants, harvested plants that were either
in a pile or stook, ear outside that were drying or ear inside dry-
ing. Each ear was evaluated for total kernel count and diseased
kernels caused by Fusarium, Aspergillus, Diplodia and other fun-
gi.
Objective 2
Aflatoxin was conducted on 116 samples from field-to-storage.
ThetestswereconductedwithAfla-VAQUA(Vicam)solvent-less
lateral kit. About 50g of corn from each sample was ground in
a Moulinex grinder (Figure 1), and 5 g was extracted with the
Afla-V AQUA solution for 2 minutes. The extract was filtered
to exclude any maize particles, and 100 µL of Afla-V diluent was
mixed with 100 µL of extract in a 1.5 microtube. After briefly
mixing, 100 µL was applied to a Afla-V AQUA lateral flow strip
(Figure 2). After 5 min of incubation at room temp, aflatoxin was
quantified with the Vertu Lateral Flow Reader (Vicam, Figure 3).
The majority of aflatoxin analysis was conducted on unharvested
corn and corn in storage. This was done to determine if aflatoxin
is already present in the field or is accumulating during storage.
Results
Objective 1
The total number of kernels on a individual ear ranged from 16 to 748 with a median of 300 kernels (Table 1). From the 1049 ears
examined, only 419 had signs of ear rot, by Fusarium species causing 83 % of the rot. The severity of Fusarium (Figure 4) rot varied
with a mean of 30.2% of the ear. Ears infected by Diplodia (Stenocarpella species, Figure 5) accounted for 29 ears with a mean severity
of 2.8%. A. flavus (Figure 6) was only found on 3 ears with a mean severity of 0.2% of ear. Lastly, 41 ears were infected by fungi that
could not be determined by visual inspection (Figure 7). The a mean severity of this group was 3.8% (Table 1).
Acknowledgements
Funding provided by USAID
About the Author
Second year Master Student in Dr. Charlie Woloshuk’s lab
working on the effects of maize in hermetic storage on Asper-
gillus flavus growth and accumulation of aflatoxins in maize.
Discussion
From our results was can see that the majority of the ear rots were caused by Fusarium species and not A. flavus. The very low instance of
A. flavus could also be seen with the very low amount of aflatoxin detected. The one case with elevated aflatoxin of 59 ppb was from an ear
with A. flavus present. These results are likely do to the growing environmental conditions found in Kakamega. With the high amount
of rainfall and cool conditions, plants would not be drought or heat stressed, thus less susceptible to A. flavus infection (Guo et al 2008).
There still could be the possibility of aflatoxin accumulation in storage if good practices are not followed.
Objective 2
Of the 116 samples analyzed, 23 sample tested positive for aflatoxin. For all samples with aflatoxin, the concentration was less than 6
ppb except one sample with 58.78 ppb (Figure 8). This sample contained ears that we observed A. flavus-infected kernels. The mean
for unharvested corn was at 0.42 ppb and corn in storage had a mean of 0.26 ppb (Table 2). There was no significant difference be-
tween aflatoxin amounts and sample location. The max concentration for unharvested corn was 3.02 ppb and the max concentration
for stored corn was 5.58 ppb, which were all under the Kenya governmental regulatory limit of 10 ppb.
Materials and Methods
Future work
Dr. Woloshuk conducted this same survey in Senegal in October 2015. Results from this survey are still underway. Our hope is to
formulate suggestions to the farmers in both countries to increase their maize quality. This would include proper harvesting and safe
storage practices.
References
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 2004. Outbreak of aflatoxin poisoning—eastern and central provinces, Kenya, January–July, 2004. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 53:790–792.
Guo, B., Chen, Z.-Y., Lee, R. D. and Scully, B. T. (2008), Drought Stress and Preharvest Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodity: Genetics, Genomics and Proteomics. Journal of Integrative Plant Biology, 50: 1281–1291. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-7909.2008.00739.x
Abstract
Farmers in the Kakamega region rely on maize as one of their major contributors of calories. With an annual rainfall of 128
cm per year the chance of maize spoilage can be high. Aflatoxin contamination is another major concern as was seen with the
aflatoxin outbreak in Kenya 2004. The goal of this survey was to assess the prevalence of ear rot in the field and aflatoxin con-
tamination from the field-to-storage. Over 300 farmers were sampled with maize samples being taken from the unharvested
plants, harvested ears, shucked ears drying, shelled maize drying and storage. Only those samples with kernels attached to ear
were assessed for disease while samples from all areas were analyzed for aflatoxin. Our results indicate that of the 1049 ears
sampled 419 of them had some form of ear rot. The most abundant ear rot was caused by Fusarium species with 348 of the 419
ears. From our aflatoxin analysis of 116 samples all were under 6 ppb with the exception of one at 59 ppb. This would suggest
that the risk of preharvest aflatoxin contamination is low. From the ear rot data we can start to form recommendations for
farmers that will reduce ear spoilage and increase the amount of quality maize they have for consumption.
Table 1: Analysis of cob, kernel and disease count by location
Table 2: Aflatoxin analysis for all eight locations
Figure 1: Lateral Flow Reader
Figure 2: Lateral Flow StripFigure 1: Moulinex grinder
Figure 6: AspergillusFigure 4: Fusarium
Figure 5: Diplodia Figure 7: Surface Mold
Figure 8: Maize sample with 58.78 ppb