Reducing Aflatoxin Contamination of Corn in On-Farm Bin Drying and Storage Systems

Preliminary computer simulations of corn drying with NA/LT using parameters often encountered in the four mid-southern states were conducted at UK and showed that successful drying clearly depends on conditions present with the right combination of temperature, relative humidity and airflow. The amount of airflow provided determines the drying rate and limits the initial moisture content of corn that can be dried without problems of aflatoxin development, especially for corn in the top layers of the bin. Future simulations will be conducted and compared with bin samples to validate the computer model for various conditions in the four state area. Grain samples will be collected during the drying season in each state and analyzed for MOG levels and aflatoxin contamination. A technician in the BAE department will be trained on grain sampling procedures and equipped with the proper personal protection equipment to collect corn samples from farm bins in western Kentucky (near the Research and Education Center in Princeton, but specific locations will be determined later). Corn samples will be returned to the REC and screened to determine the material other than grain (MOG) and sub-samples will be shipped to the University of Arkansas where aflatoxin tests will be conducted. The University of Arkansas will serve as the lead institution and will sub-contract field activities and preliminary sample analysis to Kentucky, Mississippi and Oklahoma.