Effect of agronomic practices and weather conditions on mycotoxins in maize: a case study of subsistence farming households in Zimbabwe

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-436 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Ndemera ◽  
S. Landschoot ◽  
M. De Boevre ◽  
L.K. Nyanga ◽  
S. De Saeger
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Mycotoxin Contamination ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Mycotoxigenic Fungi ◽  
Fertiliser Application

Maize is susceptible to many mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins, being prone to Fusarium spp. infection and subsequent mycotoxin contamination. Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the predominant mycotoxin in Zimbabwean subsistence-grown maize and results of mycotoxin analyses indicated FB1 to be significantly higher compared to other mycotoxins. To fully elucidate maize agronomic practices influencing FB1 contamination of maize produced by Zimbabwean subsistence farming populations, an investigative field survey was conducted in the selected provinces of Mashonaland West and Manicaland. Agronomic data and associated climatic data were collected during the 2014/2015 agricultural season. A total of 158 maize samples were collected from households’ harvest, three months and six months post-harvest. Analysis and quantification of mycotoxin contamination in the maize samples was performed using a validated multi-mycotoxin analysis method with a scope of 23 mycotoxins. Maize was mainly contaminated by FB1. There was low mycotoxin co-occurrence in Zimbabwean maize, which was typically of Fusarium toxins. FB1 occurred in 23, 47 and 47% of samples at harvest, three and six months post-harvest, respectively. The corresponding means of positive samples were 609, 597 and 289 μg/kg, respectively. Regarding fumonisins, the choice of seed and fertiliser application were significant in modulating FB1 contamination. There was no significant difference in mean FB1 contamination during post-harvest maize storage. Daily temperatures were key factors influencing FB1 incidence and levels. High temperatures were associated with high FB1 contamination particularly at the flowering stage of maize. Rainfall was positively correlated with FB1 contamination. Good agricultural practices attributed to low FB1 contamination in maize pre-harvest. Post-harvest practices such as preserving seed integrity by preventing pest infestation using grain protection chemicals are important in achieving lower mycotoxin contamination and in particular, FB1, in maize grain.

Mycotoxins in organically versus conventionally produced cereal grains and some other crops in temperate regions

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 755-770 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Brodal ◽  
I.S. Hofgaard ◽  
G.S. Eriksen ◽  
A. Bernhoft ◽  
L. Sundheim
Keyword(s):  
Farming Systems ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Cereal Grains ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Mycotoxin Contamination ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Apple Products ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Difference

This paper presents peer-reviewed studies comparing the content of deoxynivalenol (DON), HT-2+T-2 toxins, zearalenone (ZEA), nivalenol (NIV), ochratoxin A (OTA) and fumonisins in cereal grains, and patulin (PAT) in apple and apple-based products, produced in organically and conventionally grown crops in temperate regions. Some of the studies are based on data from controlled field trials, however, most are farm surveys and some are food basket surveys. Almost half of the studies focused on DON in cereals. The majority of these studies found no significant difference in DON content in grain from the two farming systems, but several studies showed lower DON content in organically than in conventionally produced cereals. A number of the investigations reported low DON levels in grain, far below the EU limits for food. Many authors suggested that weather conditions, years, locations, tillage practice and crop rotation are more important for the development of DON than the type of farming. Organically produced oats contained mainly lower levels of HT-2+T-2 toxins than conventionally produced oats. Most studies on ZEA reported no differences between farming systems, or lower concentrations in organically produced grain. For the other mycotoxins in cereals, mainly low levels and no differences between the two farming systems were reported. Some studies showed higher PAT contamination in organically than in conventionally produced apple and apple products. The difference may be due to more efficient disease control in conventional orchards. It cannot be concluded that any of the two farming systems increases the risk of mycotoxin contamination. Despite no use of fungicides, an organic system appears generally able to maintain mycotoxin contamination at low levels. More systematic comparisons from scientifically controlled field trials and surveys are needed to clarify if there are differences in the risk of mycotoxin contamination between organically and conventionally produced crops.

scholarly journals Relationships Between Weather Conditions, Agronomic Practices, and Fermentation Characteristics with Deoxynivalenol Content in Fresh and Ensiled Maize

Plant Disease ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 89 (11) ◽  
pp. 1151-1157 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Mansfield ◽  
E. D. De Wolf ◽  
G. A. Kuldau
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Daily Average ◽  
No Till ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Hybrid Development

The deoxynivalenol (DON) content of maize silage was determined in samples collected at harvest and after ensiling in 2001 and 2002 from 30 to 40 Pennsylvania dairies. Information on cultural practices, hybrid maturity, planting, and harvest date was collected from each site. Site-specific weather data and a corn development model were used to estimate hybrid development at each site. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between weather data, hybrid development, cultural practices and preharvest DON. Fermentation characteristics (moisture, pH, and so on) of ensiled samples were measured to study their relationship to postharvest DON contamination. No significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) was noted between the numbers of samples containing DON in 2001 and 2002, although concentration was higher in 2002 samples. A positive correlation was observed between DON concentration of harvest samples and daily average temperature, minimum temperature, and growing degree day during tasselling, silking, and milk stages. A negative correlation was observed between daily average precipitation at blister stage and DON concentration in harvest samples. Samples from no-till or minimum-till locations had higher DON concentrations than moldboard or mixed-till locations. Harvest samples had higher DON concentration than ensiled samples, suggesting that some physical, chemical, or microbiological changes, resulting from ensiling, may reduce DON in storage.

Transgenic approaches for pre-harvest control of mycotoxin contamination in crop plants

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Cary ◽  
K. Rajasekaran ◽  
J. Yu ◽  
R. Brown ◽  
D. Bhatnagar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Engineering ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Crop Plants ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Mycotoxin Contamination ◽  
Genomics And Proteomics ◽  
Regulatory Guidelines ◽  
Mycotoxigenic Fungi ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Resistance To Invasion

Mycotoxins are fungal metabolites that can contaminate food and feed crops worldwide and are responsible for toxic effects in animals and humans that consume contaminated commodities. Regulatory guidelines and limits for mycotoxins have been set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and food safety agencies of other countries for both import and export of affected commodities. Mycotoxin contamination of foods and feeds can also cause serious economic hardships to producers, processors, and the consumer. Therefore, there has been a concerted effort by researchers worldwide to develop strategies for the effective control of mycotoxin contamination of crops, particularly at the pre-harvest stage. Strategies currently being utilised to combat pre-harvest mycotoxin contamination include: (1) use of non-toxigenic biocontrol strains; (2) improved agricultural practices; (3) application of agrochemicals; (4) plant breeding for resistance; and (5) genetic engineering of resistance genes into crop plants. This article highlights research on the genetic engineering of plants for resistance to invasion by mycotoxigenic fungi as well as detoxification of mycotoxins. Emphasis is placed on the most economically relevant fungi and the mycotoxins they produce. These include aflatoxins produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, trichothecenes produced mainly by Fusarium graminearum, and to a lesser extent, fumonisins produced by F. verticillioides. Information is also presented on the use of genomics and proteomics technologies as a means of identifying genes and proteins that can be utilised in transgenic approaches to control the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi and the mycotoxins that they produce in food and feed crops.

Transforming the Rural Agricultural Landscape Through Groundwater Optimisation: Exploring A Chinese-South African Partnership

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nirmala Dorasamy ◽  
Olayemi Bakre
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Agricultural Landscape ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Subsistence Farming ◽  
Water Shortages ◽  
Subsistence Farmers ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Standards Of Living ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

The majority of the South African rural populace is directly or indirectly engaged in agricultural practices to earn a livelihood. However, impediments such as climate change, water shortages, and inadequacy of institutional support have undermined these once thriving subsistence farming communities. Furthermore, poor leadership in hydrology, coupled with a lack of depth in skills at all government levels to facilitate the understanding of the importance of groundwater, has made it near impossible for subsistence farmers to benefit optimally from groundwater. The 2012 drought experienced in South Africa paralysed several subsistence farming communities in KwaZulu-Natal. To revamp subsistence farming and assist these farmers across South Africa, the Department of Water and Sanitation launched interventions, but despite the enormous resources expended, indicators (e.g. unsustainable farming practices, poor crop yield, pitiable living conditions, and poor standards of living) provide evidence that these interventions have not yielded the desired results. This paper seeks to suggest practicable interventions aimed at reducing the vulnerability of subsistence farmers in KwaZulu-Natal. The study pursued a qualitative approach in that it solicited the views of experts on groundwater and in related fields to gain an in-depth perspective. Some of the core challenges undermining the sustainability and growth of subsistence farming in the study area were found to be the inadequacy of experts on groundwater, water shortages, institutional deficiencies, lack of political will, and lack of coordination among stakeholders. Pragmatic recommendations are made to address these challenges, among other things to encourage a South African-Chinese partnership in the hydrology sector.

Nitrate transport in the chalk vadose zone in in Picardy (France)

2021 ◽  
pp. SP517-2020-164
Author(s):  
N. Surdyk ◽  
L. Gourcy ◽  
V. Bault ◽  
N. Baran
Keyword(s):  
Groundwater Quality ◽  
Vadose Zone ◽  
Nitrate Concentration ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Nitrate Transport ◽  
Transport Time ◽  
Major Question ◽  
Noticeable Effect ◽  
Fertiliser Application ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSince the 1980s, nitrate has been shown to be present in soils and the vadose zone of various types of geological materials years after fertiliser application. In chalk where the vadose zone is thick, nitrate storage can be considerable and its transport time toward groundwater can be lengthy.In this context, evaluation of the impact of changes in agricultural practices on groundwater quality remains a major question. Improvement of groundwater quality can in certain cases be greatly delayed after the implementation of environmental agricultural practices.The principal objective of this study is to improve our knowledge of when changes in agricultural practices will have a noticeable effect on groundwater quality.To meet this objective, nitrate concentration profiles were performed in agricultural plots in Picardy (France). A crop marker event was used to calculate the transport velocity of water and associated solutes. This method is useful when other tracers (as tritium or chlorine) cannot be used. Estimated velocities range from 0.51 to 0.54 m/year; these values are similar to those described in similar chalk aquifers.

Parametric Optimization of Thermal Comfort in Extreme Weather Conditions

2019 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 75-90
Author(s):  
A. Oudrane ◽  
Benaoumeur Aour ◽  
Zeghmati Belkacem ◽  
Massaud Hamouda
Keyword(s):  
Heat Transfer ◽  
Finite Difference ◽  
Finite Difference Method ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Parametric Optimization ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Climatic Data ◽  
Hot Climate ◽  
Transfer Equations ◽  
The Finite Difference Method

This work focuses on the numerical investigation of different modes of heat exchangebetween the habitat and its environment in an extremely hot climate to optimize thermal comfort.Notably, to optimize habitable comfort, it is essential to model the solar flux and the temperatureabsorbed by the habitat walls. In this context, we have developed an analytical model to predict heatexchange for a habitat in the Adrar region. The heat transfer equations have been established in eachwall of the habitat. These equations were discretized by the finite difference method and solvedusing the Gauss algorithm. The models developed were validated with climatic data measured in theresearch unit ''URER'MS'' in Adrar. The results obtained showed that building materials andextreme weather conditions were the decisive parameters of unwanted overheating.

scholarly journals Water Quality of the Trstionica River (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 371-376
Author(s):  
Šuhreta Delibašić ◽  
Jasna Huremović ◽  
Sabina Žero ◽  
Sabina Gojak-Salimović
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Ion Exchange Resin ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization

The present study was conducted to investigate the water quality of the Trstionica River, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The physicochemical properties (temperature, pH, conductivity, total solids after evaporation at 105 °C), content of metals (calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)), and anions (chloride (Cl–), and phosphate (PO43–)) were determined in water samples collected at seven locations during two sampling periods: unstable weather conditions (precipitation), and stable weather conditions (without precipitation). There was a significant difference in the content of individual parameters in the river water depending on the sampling time. For determination of metals concentrations, which were below the limit of detection, a preconcentration method using an ion-exchange resin was applied. The metals concentrations during the rainy day were in the order Ca > Mg > Na > Fe > Cu > Zn > Pb > Mn with mean values of 343, 6.03, 1.94, 0.18, 0.20, 0.03, 0.02, 0.01 mg dm–3, respectively, and during stable weather conditions: Ca > Mg > Na > Cu > Fe > Mn > Zn with mean values of 288, 7.62, 2.38, 0.11, 0.10, 0.01, 0.01 mg dm–3, respectively. Cd, Cr, and Ni concentrations were below limit of detection in both cases. Obtained values were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) regulations. The results showed that the Trstionica River in the investigated part of the stream meets most of the parameters required by the regulations. The correlation between analysed parameters was assessed, as well. Based on the calculated water quality index values, the water of Trstionica River falls into the category of excellent water.

scholarly journals Проблемы актуализации земледельческих практик в Ямало-Ненецком автономном округе

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Е.В. Абакумов ◽  
Е.Н. Моргун
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Agricultural Industry ◽  
Fishing Villages ◽  
Podzolic Soils ◽  
The North ◽  
Finnish Lapland ◽  
Fallow Lands ◽  
Phosphorus And Potassium

Agricultural practices in agrocenoses of different ages and in fallow lands of Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Region of the Russian Federation were studied with account for post-agrogenic transformations of soils under cryogenic conditions. Agricultural practices in the YNAR are much consistent with those in Finnish Lapland, Southern Greenland, and remote fishing villages in Alaska. Well-drained areas with sandy, light and medium loamy, sod-meadow or sod-podzolic soils, which are easily warmed and not floating in cases of heavy rainfall, are selected for gardens and fields. The depth of permafrost is reduced in plowed areas and depends on the age of their development. The content of available forms of phosphorus and potassium in the upper layer of fallow soils remains very high even through 5-20 years. The use of agricultural techniques, including mulching, drainage, and application of manure and compost derived from fish, increases soil fertility. Currently, agriculture in YNAR decays for such reasons as remoteness (logistics problems), dependence on weather conditions, difficulties in field cultivation, lack of market for agricultural products, and limited choice of products due to natural conditions and the specifics of the agricultural industry. The small indigenous peoples and the landscapes of the North are inseparable and may be sustainable only based on the traditional ways of life harmonized with the natural and social environments.

scholarly journals Implementation study of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) of Red Fruit (Pandanus conoideus Lamk.)

2021 ◽  
Vol 883 (1) ◽  
pp. 012047
Author(s):  
M H Makaruku ◽  
A Y Wattimena ◽  
A S Mahulette ◽  
E Kembauw
Keyword(s):  
Random Sampling ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Land Ownership ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Implementation Study ◽  
Good Agricultural Practices ◽  
Post Harvest ◽  
Plant Cultivation ◽  
Fruit Plants

Abstract This study aims to determine and analyze the GAP components that have implemented by red fruit farmers. The method used in the study was a survey method of plant cultivation. The multistage random sampling method used to taking sampling sampling. The area selected for the study area uses the land ownership startification. Each village was randomly sampled as many as 10 farmers, the total number of which was 30 sampled farmers. The results showed that the farmers in the Taniwel District had not fully implemented the GAP guidelines in the cultivation of red fruit plants which included seeding methods, maintenance and post-harvest processing. This is due to the absence of outreach or counseling from the relevant Dinas regarding the GAP guidelines for red fruit plants.

scholarly journals Influence of Man's Activities Level on the Toxicity of Soddy Podzolic Soil

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
П.А. Котяк
Keyword(s):  
Podzolic Soil ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Soddy Podzolic Soil ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Soil Toxicity ◽  
General Toxicity ◽  
The Status ◽  
Medium Toxicity ◽  
Spring Rape

Представлены результаты исследования уровня общей токсичности и микробного токсикоза дерново-подзолистой глееватой почвы при антропогенной нагрузке. Изучение токсичности почвы особенно актуально в агроценозах, где человек в значительной мере регулирует условия произрастания растений. Использование показателей токсичности при оценке агротехнических приёмов позволяет усовершенствовать существующие технологии, чтобы избежать нежелательных сопутствующих эффектов при агрогенном воздействии на агроэкосистемы. Сравнительный анализ полученных результатов показал, что почва опытного участка в начале вегетации имела класс средней и низкой токсичности (индекс токсичности фактора (ИТФ) от 0,63 до 0,82), а в конце вегетации – класс высокой и средней токсичности (ИТФ от 0,35 до 0,55). Оценка микробиологической токсичности почвы исследуемых вариантов опыта по всхожести семян тест-культуры показала в основном средний уровень микробного токсикоза: 69,75% – на индуцированных образцах, 60,97% – на контрольных образцах. Урожайность зелёной массы ярового рапса находилась на невысоком уровне, что могло быть связано с неблагоприятными погодными условиями вегетационного периода и варьировала в пределах от 76 до 218 ц/га. Проведённые исследования по установлению влияния антропогенной нагрузки на токсический статус дерново-подзолистой почвы в условиях Ярославской области показали, что лучшими характеристиками обладают варианты: система отвальной обработки почвы, фон «Органо-минеральный субстрат + NPK» как с внесением гербицида, так и без его применения при возделывании ярового рапса. В этих условиях снижается общая токсичность почвы, статус микробного токсикоза не меняется, что позволяет сохранять почвенное плодородие, иметь оптимальное фитосанитарное состояние и получать качественный урожай выращиваемых культур. The results of the research of general toxicity level and microbial toxicosis of soddy podzolic gleyic soil at man-caused load are presented. The study of soil toxicity is especially important in agrocenoses, where a person largely regulates the conditions of plant growth. The use of toxicity indicators in assessing agricultural practices allows improving existing technologies in order to avoid undesirable concomitant effects during agrogenic effects on agroecosystems. A comparative analysis of the obtained results showed that the soil of the test area at the beginning of the growing season had a medium and low toxicity class (factor toxicity index (FTI) from 0.63 to 0.82) and at the end of the growing season it had a high and medium toxicity class (FTI from 0.35 to 0.55). Assessment of the microbiological toxicity of the soil of test variants under investigation by seed germination of the test-crop showed mainly the average level of microbial toxicosis: 69.75% on the induced samples, 60.97% on the control samples. The yield of green mass of spring rape was at a low level, which could be associated with unfavorable weather conditions of the growing season and varied from 76 to 218 hkg / ha. Researches conducted to establish influence of man's activities on the toxic status of soddy podzolic soil in the conditions of the Yaroslavl region showed that the best characteristics are options: a system of moldboard tillage, background "Organic-mineral substrate + NPK" both with the herbicide application and without its use in the cultivation of spring rape. Under these conditions the general toxicity of the soil decreases, the status of microbial toxicosis does not change which allows maintaining soil fertility, having an optimal phytosanitary condition and obtaining a quality yield of crops grown.

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