Maize ear rot, Fusarium mycotoxins and ergosterol content in maize hybrids

Abstract

A field experiment with 26 maize hybrids including two genetically modified (Bt-transformation) ones and their non-transgenic counterparts was aimed to observe infection by maize car rot caused by Fusarium species and infestation by European corn borer. After harvest, the content of mycotoxins (deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins) and ergosterol was determined. Climatic conditions of the harvest year 2007 were not favourable for the development of maize ear rot and the mycotoxin content was low. The ergosterol content was significantly correlated with disease extent and severity but there was no significant relationship between maize car rot and mycotoxins content. A significant relationship was found between zearalenone and European corn borer infestation. The content of mycotoxins; in Bt-hybrids was always lower than the mean of all hybrids. None of the tested Bt-hybrids was infested by European corn borer.