Abstract
Abstract The spread of toxigenic Aspergillus into maize by insects and the subsequent aflatoxin contamination poses a risk to humans and animals and has been investigated in North and South America. To evaluate this effect in an African context, Greenhouse studies were conducted in 2022 to determine the role of sap beetles, Carpophilus dimidiatus Fabricius, 1792 (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) and maize weevils, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on infection of maize kernels by Aspergillus flavus Link and the resultant aflatoxin accumulation. To test the beetles’ efficacy, treatments were applied on partially opened primary ears at 3 different stages of kernel development (BBCH 75, 83, and 87). The treatments were: (i) distilled water, (ii) water with A. flavus spores, (iii) maize grits, (iv) maize grits with A. flavus spores, (v) C. dimidiatus, (vi) C. dimidiatus with A. flavus spores, (vii) S. zeamais, and (viii) S. zeamais with A. flavus spores. Data on kernel infection, maize rotting, yield, and aflatoxin content in kernels were collected. The highest kernel spoilage and yield loss were recorded for the co-inoculation of S. zeamais and A. flavus spores, followed by S. zeamais without A. flavus spores, and then C. dimidiatus with the fungal spores. Inoculation of maize at the BBCH 83 growth stage resulted in the highest kernel damage and aflatoxin contamination. S. zeamais and, to a lesser extent, C. dimidiatus effectively spread the A. flavus inoculum into non-wounded ears, resulting in fungal and aflatoxin contamination. The yield loss from S. zeamais-Aspergillus co-inoculation occurred due to the grain rotting and actual feeding of the maize weevils. Thus, insect management is important in reducing pre-harvest contamination of maize with mycotoxigenic fungi and their resultant toxins.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
