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Molds that grew in cornfields

Forum: Corn Mold, suggestions to stop it

Published: January 19, 2010
By: Albert Hughes

Good day,

Molds that grew in cornfields over a wide area of Wisconsin last summer and fall arent going away, even though most fields are harvested. Its proving to be a problem with ramifications...

Academics like Richard Stroshine of Purdue University are discussing some issues:

-For corn in the bin or corn still coming out of the field, its important to and maintain grain moisture below 19. Above 19 molds that can produce mycotoxins can still grow.
-Kernels damaged by field molds before they entered the bin are perfect targets for storage molds that can grow at lower temperatures. Those kernels or broken pieces of kernels are more susceptible. Draw down moisture inside the bin to 14 to 14.5, and keep it there.

What do you think?

Albert Hughes

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Swamy Haladi
Swamy Haladi
19 de enero de 2010

Albert, thanks for bringing up this important topic of Corn Mold. I totally agree with the comments. However, whether grains are broken or not, the moisture in storage bins should not be more than 13 to 14%. Also it is imp to remember that relative humidity and temparature inside and outside the bins play a greater role in causing mold growth. Even if the moisture of grains is 10%, but relative humidity is more than 80%, the molds can still grow. That is why it is recommended to calculate water activity of grains rather than the moisture of grains. Since some of these are not practical, it is recommended to use a good quality mold inhibitor while storing the grains. This will reduce pH of grains and hence inhibit mold growth. When it comes to high moisture grains, silage inoculants can be more effective than mold inhibitors. It is a common practise in Asia and Latin America to use these mold inhibitors as they are exposed to tropical tempeatures with high humidity. If the feed is stored for more than 4 days, it is recommended to add mold inhibitor in feed as well. I hope this helps.

Peetambar Dahal
UC Davis - University of California
27 de febrero de 2013

If ambient RH is 80%, MC would be closer to 15% according to Cromarty equation.
Cromarty A.S., Ellis R.H. & Roberts E.H. 1982: The Design of Seed Storage Facilities for Genetic Conservation, IBPGR, Rome.
Unless one uses de-humidified dryers, MC can not come down to 10%. Most mold problems are associated when storage RH is > 65%. Perhaps, desiccants should be used to lower RH quickly.

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