Method:

The quantification of toxigenic species was done by direct sowing whole grains and disinfected with NaClO at 3.27%, on the malt salt agar medium, expressing the results as percentages of grains colonized by total molds and by potentially toxigenic species. The fumonisin content was quantified by the immunoaffinity method with fumonisin columns (B1 + B2).

Results:

No significant statistical differences were observed for the incidence of F. verticillioides and the concentration of fumonisins in the samples evaluated in both. The mycobiota associated with the corn kernels were Aspergillus flavus, A. Niger, A. ochraceus, A. terreus, Eurotium chevalieri, F. verticillioides, Penicillium spp. Alternaria sp and Curvularia sp. The highest average incidence of toxigenic molds was obtained by A. flavus (24.3%), F. verticillioides (14.6%) and Penicillium sp. (4.4%) in Yaracuy; however, in Guárico were F. verticillioides (16.7%) and Penicillium spp. (13.8%). The average concentration of fumonisins in Yaracuy and Guárico was 1.8 and 8.4 μg / g, respectively, exceeding the limit allowed for human consumption (1 μg / g).

Discussion:

Based on the low incidence of F. verticillioides and the low levels of fumonisins detected in hybrids D1B-348 (from Guárico) and D1B-246 (from Yaracuy), it is recommended to use them in the respective states, as a measure of control of the pathogen at the field level and avoid possible contamination with fumonisins.