Mycotoxins in Corn Grain and Effect of Bt Hybrids

Mycotoxins are toxic chemical compounds produced by fungi. Some fungi that infect corn kernels in the field and in storage can produce mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and livestock. Research on mycotoxins using Bt and conventional hybrids has shown that kernel injury and resulting fumonisin levels in Bt hybrids are consistently lower than those found in the base genetics. This article discusses the important corn ear molds, the mycotoxins they produce, and the role Bt genes can play in the interactions among corn plants, insects, ear mold fungi and mycotoxins.

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