Aflatoxin is the major focus of much research being funded by the Texas Corn Producers Board (TCPB) through the statewide corn checkoff program.

Corn with aflatoxin content above 300 parts per billion cannot be fed to finishing beef cattle. Corn with 20 ppb or more aflatoxin cannot be used for human consumption, immature animals or in a dairy ration. Some foreign grain buyers also turn away corn with minute amounts of aflatoxin.

In 1998, a drought year in the Midwest, Corn Belt growers suffered more than $280 million in losses from aflatoxin, according to a report by Southwest Farm Press, which cited Scott Averhoff, a Waxahachie, Texas, grower and TCPB chairman. Aflatoxin is caused by the fungus Aspergillus flavus, which is spawned by drought and high humidity.

TCPB-funded aflatoxin projects

TCPB has been a leader in supporting aflatoxin research for years, said Averhoff. Specific aflatoxin projects include one which looks at using a biocontrol fungus — that is already EPA-approved for use on cotton — to manage aflatoxin in corn. The study is headed by Peter Cotty, a USDA Agricultural Research Service plant pathologist in Arizona who also works with Texas A&M and other universities.

“The program is intended to allow collection of information from commercial corn fields where atoxigenic strain AF36 is experimentally used in several central and south Texas counties,” said Averhoff. This continuation study is examining findings from 2008 research, which shows beneficial effects of using the AF36 strain. The goal is to obtain a full EPA label for use in corn.

Another aflatoxin-related research study through TCPB is evaluating a clay substance that can absorb and bind aflatoxin in animal feed. Headed by Joe Dixon, professor emeritus in the Texas A&M Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, the project is designed to help assure that a supply of aflatoxin absorbents is sufficient for the job and available to growers.

The absorbents are mined from two bentonite mines in Texas. They have been tested in poultry operations. The absorbents could eventually be used in helping growers and others market infected grain and improve animal performance.

TCPB is also working with Don White, University of Illinois corn breeder, in the development of high yielding commercial hybrids with some form of aflatoxin resistance. White says he hopes to create several commercially usable female corn inbred lines the next several years that could lead to aflatoxin resistance hybrids.

Further research involving breeding corn germplasm to reduce aflatoxin contamination is also receiving TCPB funding.

Southern states initiative

TCPB is part of a new “Center of Excellence” southern states initiative aimed at aflatoxin control, said Averhoff. The initiative includes TCPB, other state corn groups, Texas A&M University, University of Georgia, Auburn University, North Carolina State University and Mississippi State University.