MYCOTOXINS IN THE 2012 HARVEST

摘要

Each harvest season seems to bring with it a variety of challenges that farmers and producers need to tackle in order to safeguard the health of their animals and the quality of their feed. Moulds or fungi and the mycotoxins they produce are an ever present threat and effective mycotoxin management is, now more than ever, fundamental to the success of any farm or feedmill. The growth of moulds, present on all crops in varying amounts each year, depends hugely on the climatic growing conditions. The 2012 growing season saw drought conditions sweep across large portions of southern Europe and the USA while heavy rains drenched northern and western Europe significantly increasing the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Northern and western Europe's relatively cool, wet growing season delayed harvesting, stimulating mould growth priorto harvest. Repeated rains exaggerate the problem by providing optimal conditions for moulds and fungi to thrive. The high temperatures experienced in the US significantly influenced mould growth and mycotoxin production. Plants stressed by drought and high temperatures are commonly invaded by mould spores, leading to mycotoxin production.