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The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate single cross corn hybrids for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation and to evaluate corn cultural practices that may minimize risks from A. flavus infection and/or aflatoxin accumulation.
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Twenty single cross corn hybrids developed by the USDA/ARS and other public institutions will be planted at the LSU Agricultural Center's Macon Ridge Research Station near Winnsboro, LA. The soils on the Macon Ridge are extremely shallow and drought prone. A hybrid by seeding rate by irrigation experiment will be conducted on a Sharkey clay at the Northeast Research Station near St. Josepoh, LA. </p>
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This test will involve three hybrids with different ear characteristics, five seeding rates, ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 seed/acre, and three irrigation treatments. These treatments will provide a wide range of plant stress, producing conditions conducive to the accumulation of aflatoxin. </p>
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In both experiments, treatments will be inoculated with spores of A. flavus approximately 20 days after mid-silk. The inoculated ears will be hand harvested at approximately 8% moisture, shelled, dried to 12 to 13% moisture, ground, and analyzed for aflatoxin.</p>