2021 Ontario Grain Corn Ear Mould and Deoxynivalenol (DON) Mycotoxin Survey

Co-authored with Albert Tenuta, Field Crop Pathologist, OMAFRA.

OMAFRA field crop specialists in collaboration with Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) and members of the Ontario Agri-Business Association (OABA) have completed the annual Ontario corn ear mould and DON mycotoxin survey. Corn ear moulds such as Gibberella and their corresponding mycotoxins occur every year in Ontario. These mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON, also referred to as vomitoxin) are produced primarily by Gibberella/Fusarium ear moulds and can be disruptive when fed to livestock, especially hogs. The 2021 survey found 89% of samples tested low (<2.00 parts per million (ppm)) for DON which is in line with long term survey averages.  


Methods

From September 21 to October 2, 2021, 205 ear corn samples were randomly collected from across the province. Five consecutive ears were collected from four random locations throughout a field and placed into high temperature driers (80°C) as soon as possible after collection. Pictures were taken to document moulds and insect and bird feeding damage (Fig. 1). Dry ears were shelled and coarse ground and mixed for sub-sampling consistency. Sub samples were collected and finely ground for DON analysis by quantitative ELISA analysis at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus mycotoxin lab.    

Figure 1. Corn ear moulds which can be observed in Ontario.


Results

Results for the 2021 survey are presented in Table 1. Visual mould and DON concentrations were in line with long term survey averages (Table 2). While ear moulds were certainly evident in some samples, severity was generally low with infections often appearing to be in very early stages (e.g. light mycelium growth between tip kernels). Many also displayed no symptoms, and only two samples tested over 5 ppm. Insect feeding was low as in recent surveys, but where present was often associated with visual ear mould. Other mouldy samples with no ear damage were observed where weather and hybrid susceptibility were likely factors. 

Table 1. Deoxynivalenol (DON) results from the 2021 Ontario grain corn ear mould and DON survey.

DON Concentration
Parts per Million (ppm)
All Samples
Total Samples205
< 0.50 ppm63%
0.50 to <2.00 ppm26%
2.00 to <5.00 ppm10%
5.00 ppm and greater1%

Table 2. DON results from the past ten Ontario grain corn ear mould and DON surveys.

DON Concentration (ppm)2011201220132014201520162017201820192020
< 0.5047%84%83%66%75%48%69%33%84%58%
0.50 to <2.0028%12%15%26%20%26%17%27%12%31%
2.00 to <5.0017%4%1%6%5%18%8%15%4%10%
5.00 and greater7%0%0%2%0%8%6%25%0%0%

While 89% of 2021 samples tested below 2 ppm, growers should still remain vigilant and understand management options in fields with higher DON concentrations. Ear moulds and mycotoxins occur every year in Ontario and fields need to be assessed individually. Distribution of samples and their corresponding DON levels are presented in Figure 2. 

Figure 2. Corn ear mould and deoxynivalenol (DON) survey sampling locations and results in 2021.

Growing Season

The growing season remained dry across most parts of the province from April through to late June when heavy and frequent rains started for many parts of Southern and Eastern Ontario. Frequent rains continued through tasseling and pollination during the latter two weeks of July, which were good for corn yields but also provided favourable conditions, moisture and humidity in corn canopies for ear mould establishment at fresh silk stage. Humidity and high canopy moisture persisted for several weeks following tasselling. These conditions were leading to fears over ear mould risks in 2021. This may have contributed to ear moulds establishing in fields, particularly those with hybrids known to be more susceptible for ear moulds, and those with ear feeding damage. August and the first half of September were generally drier and warmer, though some areas continued to receive rainfall. Drier conditions through August and September likely limited ear mould progression in fields where infection was established.

Feeding Damage

Ear feeding by pests, particularly western bean cutworm (WBC), corn earworm (CEW) or birds can open husks, damage kernels and present opportunities for greater ear mould infection and DON. Feeding damage appeared relatively low in 2021 survey samples, possibly a result of most corn tasseling prior to peak WBC moth flights (period of July 29 to August 4 on average for Ontario in 2021). Where feeding damage was present, visual mould symptoms were usually apparent.

 

How to Sample Corn Loads

The importance of collecting representative samples cannot be emphasized enough. Significant variability in mycotoxin testing can come from poor sampling.

Collecting a Bulk Sample from a Corn Load

While sampling from the top of a storage bin, truck or combine may be convenient, mycotoxins are rarely distributed evenly in grain loads, hence a sample probe is recommended. The more probes the better, but Ontario research shows that 4 probes sampling the full depth of wagons or trucks can do as good of a job as frequent tailgate swiping for representing the corn in those loads, and is not a major driver of variability experienced with DON testing. For moving grain streams, use a diverter or randomly collect cupfuls of grain. Mix all collected probes/samples into one bulk sample, ideally at least 2 kg.  

Collecting an Analysis Subsample from a Bulk Sample

Ontario research has shown that one of the most significant sources of variability in DON testing comes from collecting the subsample for DON analysis (e.g. amount of bulk sample finely ground for the DON test). Because individual kernels can be highly variable in DON and still coarse in size relative to the analysis subsample (a 200g whole kernel sample used for fine-grinding may only be representing the entire load with ~500 kernels), the whole bulk sample should be ground (at least coarsely) and mixed so the analysis subsample can contain parts of all kernels in the bulk sample. This subsample can then be ground finer to meet specifications of the DON test. More details on reducing sample variability through proper sampling and grinding is available HERE.

Last, samples must be processed quickly – ship or deliver fresh sample promptly. The longer the sample sits around the greater potential for inaccurate results.


Going Forward

This survey does not capture all regions of the province and results can vary from field to field depending on local weather, hybrid, planting date, insect feeding, rotation, residue levels, fungicide practices and moisture. Results may not capture what is occurring in your field, therefore monitoring is always recommended. Timely harvest is important. Leaving diseased grain in the field allows ear rot fungi to continue growing, which increases risks of mouldy grain and mycotoxin contamination. Most ear rot fungi continue to grow (and potentially produce mycotoxins) until grain moisture is below 15%.  In high risk or severely infected fields, growers should consider harvesting at higher moisture and drying below 15%. 

If a field contains significant ear moulds (10% or more ears with mould symptoms) collect a representative sample prior to harvest and test for mycotoxins before storing or feeding to livestock. A lab test is the only reliable way of determining mycotoxin levels. 

If possible, segregate contaminated corn separately. 

When ear rots are present, the following harvest, storage and feeding precautions are advisable (adapted from OMAFRA Pub 811, Agronomy Guide for Field Crops):

• Harvest and dry as quickly as possible, especially susceptible hybrids. Mould and mycotoxin development ceases with grain moistures below 15%.

• If insect or bird damage is confined to certain areas, harvest and handle damaged rows separately.

• Adjust harvest equipment to minimize grain damage and to remove insect damaged, infected or smaller end kernels. Clean corn thoroughly to remove cob, small kernels and red dog which may be infected.

• Clean bins before storing new grain and cool grain after drying. If possible, segregate corn by DON content to help match end use.

• Check stored grain often for temperature, wet spots, insects and mould. For grain with elevated mould content, market as soon as possible. Avoid long term storage.

• Exercise caution handling or feeding mouldy corn to livestock, especially hog breeding herds and weanling pigs. Pink or reddish moulds are particularly harmful. Test suspect samples for toxins. Work with a nutritionist to manage DON levels in feed.

Preventing ear rots and mould can be difficult since weather is critical to development. A few things to consider for 2022. Hybrid selection is important, and while tolerant hybrids are available, none have complete resistance. Growers are encouraged to discuss ear mould tolerance with their seed supplier. The Ontario Corn Committee has initiated inoculated DON trials for evaluating differences in DON susceptibility across Ontario hybrids. After environmental issues in 2019, a revised protocol has been established for 2020 and 2021 and results are expected to be released this fall. Crop rotation may help reduce ear rots, while certain foliar fungicides are also registered for suppressing ear rots but need to be applied at VT/R1 when silks are green. Cultural practices such as tillage are shown to have limited success in preventing ear and kernel rots.

Agricorp customers with mould issues are encouraged to immediately contact Agricorp at 1-888-247-4999 and report damage.


Additional Resources

For additional information, see the Crop Protection Network’s “Corn Management Disease Series – Ear Rots” publications at CropProtectionNetwork.org

Crop Protection Network Publications:

CPN-2001 – Corn – Ear-Rots

CPN-2002 – Corn – Mycotoxin FAQs

CPN-2003 – Corn – Grain Sampling and Mycotoxin Testing

CPN-2004 – Corn – Storing Mycotoxin-Affected Grain


Acknowledgements

Thanks to Grain Farmers of Ontario, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus mycotoxin lab and OMAFRA plant health fund for support of the survey as well as Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) and its members for their interest and participation. Sincere thanks to those who assist in co-ordination and collection of samples: Agris Co-operative, Alliance Agri-Turf, Anderson Agronomy Services, Belmont Farm Supply, Benjamins Agronomy Services, Campbellford Farm Supply, Clark Agri Service, FS Partners, Hoegy’s Farm Supply, Holmes Agro, MacEwen Agricentre, Maizex Seeds, Millstone Crop Services, Parrish and Heimbecker, P.T. Sullivan Agro, St. Lawrence Grain & Farm Supply, Sylvite, TCO Agromart, The Andersons, Wellburn Agromart and the many producers and OMAFRA staff also involved. This co-operation is critical for covering as much of the corn growing areas of the province as possible in a short period of time.

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