Fumonisins in maize genotypes grown in various geographic areas

Data on the occurrence of fumonisins B1 and B2 in maize genotypes (inbred lines and hybrids) cultivated in several countries from three continents will be presented. Samples originated at different times (from 1990 to 1994) from experimental stations in Argentina, Benin, Croatia, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Romania and Zambia. Fumonisin contamination was negligible in samples from eastern Europe (Croatia, Romania and Poland), whereas it was quite relevant and widespread in samples from Argentina, western Europe and Africa. A general trend of higher fumonisin levels was observed in Argentina, Zambia (limited to 1993 crop), Portugal, and Italy (mainly 1990 and 1991 crop years), with a significant percentage of samples showing more than 1000 ng/g, a level of concern. The data from the present study suggest that the environmental conditions in the specific area of cultivation play an important role in the accumulation of fumonisins in maize.