Deoxynivalenol occurrence in Serbian maize under different weather conditions

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to investigate deoxynivalenol (DON) occurrence in maize samples originating from two harvest seasons in Serbia. The key differences between harvest seasons were weather conditions, specifically the humidity. The samples were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography with DAD detection, after clean-up on SPE columns. In samples from 2014, DON was found in 82 (100.0%) samples with the average content of 2.517 mg/kg (ranged from 0.368 to 11.343 mg/kg). Two samples exceeded maximum level permitted by EU regulations. However, analyzing larger number of samples (163) from 2015 harvest season, DON was present in 51 (31.3%) samples in significantly lower concentrations (average of 0.662 mg/kg, ranged from 0.106 to 2.628 mg/kg). None of the samples from 2015 exceeded maximum level permitted by EU regulations. The data on DON presence in Serbian maize were in relation to the different weather conditions that prevailed during the two harvest seasons.

Impact of climate change on aflatoxin M1 contamination of raw milk with special focus on climate conditions in Serbia

“…A number of studies produced by Serbian government authorities indicate that the frequency of both droughts and extreme rainfall events has increased significantly in the region over the past decade . Therefore possible impacts of climate change on mycotoxin occurrence have been discussed in a number of publications in recent years . The authors unanimously conclude that a shift from ‘traditional’ occurrence areas to regions where mycotoxin occurrence was previously uncommon is to be expected due to climate change.…”

“…A number of studies produced by Serbian government authorities indicate that the frequency of both droughts and extreme rainfall events has increased significantly in the region over the 13 Therefore possible impacts of climate change on mycotoxin occurrence have been discussed in a number of publications in recent years. 3,16,[20][21][22][23][24] The authors unanimously conclude that a shift from 'traditional' occurrence areas to regions where mycotoxin occurrence was previously uncommon is to be expected due to climate change. Drought is known to be a stressful agro-meteorological condition over the period from flowering to waxy maturity of maize (July-August), at the same time that is the critical period for infestation of toxigenic fungi and production of mycotoxins.…”