MACS For Aflatoxin Control
The Bureau of Postharvest Research and Extension (BPRE) recommends what it calls MACS as the best way to prevent aflatoxin contamination in corn. MACS stands for maize aflatoxin control system. It was designed to reduce postharvest losses and address the need for good quality corn that is acceptable in the domestic and global markets.
Normally, corn farmers suffer financial losses because of the rapid deterioration of wet grains caused by the growth of molds, technically known as mycotoxin. Aflatoxin is the most widely known mycotoxin. The market price of contaminated corn is greatly reduced, resulting in low economic gain.
To minimize aflatoxin contamination in the farm, it would be wise to follow good agronomic practices, avoid stresscausing conditions to the crops, protect the harvest from rainfall, and harvest the corn as soon as it reaches optimum maturity. Use bags and baskets during harvest to protect the crop from fungal infection.
Farmers must bear in mind that poor irrigation, lack of fertilizer and poor pest management make the crop more susceptible to mold attack.
To protect the harvest from rainfall, harvesting should be done during fine weather conditions. Harvested corn must be dried immediately for two days after harvest.
Bear in mind that high moisture is favorable to fungal growth. Any delay in drying would enable the growth and production of aflatoxin.
To minimize wounds or injuries, corn should be harvested and shelled only when matured. Good shelling results in clean kernels and less broken kernels. Cracked or broken kernels provide entry points for mold contamination and growth. Use shelling machines that do not damage the kernel and those that produce clean shelled corn.
Store corn kernels at 14 percent moisture content. Good storage facilities and practices minimize fungal infection and rewetting of the grains.
The corn kernels should also be from impurities to prevent insect attack. At the same time, follow integrated pest management (IPM) practices to prevent infestation of insects, birds, rodents, fungi, and bacteria, as well as to preserve grain quality. IPM involves a combination of physical, biological, and chemical control methods.
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