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Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
Deoxynivalenol in barley samples from Uruguay
Dinorah Pan1, Federico Bonsignore, Federico Rivas
1Laboratorio de Micología, Facultad de Ingeniería, UdelaR, Julio Herrera y Reissig 565, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay. dpan@fing.edu.uy
International Journal of Food Microbiology
|October 28, 2006
Summary
Deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination in Uruguayan barley was surveyed from 1996-2002. High DON levels were found, increasing from 2000-2002, correlating with rainfall during flowering.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Food Safety
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a prevalent mycotoxin in barley.
- Barley is a significant agricultural commodity in Uruguay.
- Understanding DON occurrence is crucial for food safety and trade.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the natural occurrence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in barley harvested in Uruguay.
- To analyze DON levels and prevalence over a seven-year period (1996-2002).
- To investigate potential correlations between DON contamination and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 292 barley samples harvested between 1996 and 2002.
- Quantification of DON using an immunochemical method with immunoaffinity columns and fluorimetric detection.
- Statistical analysis to assess DON levels, prevalence, and correlations.
Main Results:
- Between 26% and 100% of samples tested positive for DON annually.
- Mean DON content ranged from 500 µg/kg to 6349 µg/kg.
- DON levels showed a marked increase from 2000 to 2002, correlating positively with precipitation during flowering.
Conclusions:
- Regular monitoring of DON in Uruguayan barley crops is essential.
- Particular attention should be paid to years with heavy rainfall during the flowering period.
- Environmental factors, especially precipitation, significantly influence DON contamination in barley.
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