Website helps farmers combat mycotoxins

A website developed by plant pathologists from Purdue University and research institutions nationwide helps farmers understand and respond to the threat of mycotoxins in corn.
The website, Corntoxins, includes management information, photo and video documentation, information on how to properly store moldy grain, and describes the characteristics of various types of mycotoxins.
“Prevention is the most effective management strategy to reducing the impact of ear rots and mycotoxins,” said Charles Woloshuk, a professor of botany and plant pathology and member of the website development team. “We created the website to make management information readily accessible to farmers and agribusiness personnel so they can take appropriate precautions to prevent ear rots and manage mycotoxins if they occur in the grain.”
The website is a product of the Integrated Management Strategies for Aspergillus and Fusarium Ear Rots of Corn project, which was established in 2012 with funding from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The project’s goal is to coordinate and promote a research and extension collaboration that provides new tools for managing ear rots and mycotoxins.
Along with Purdue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), University of Arkansas, Michigan State University, North Carolina State University and Texas A&M University are participating the in project.