Accumulation of fumonisins B1 and B2 in freshly harvested Brazilian commercial maize at three locations during two nonconsecutive seasons

Fifty-six Brazilian commercial maize cultivars were examined for FB₁ and FB₂ accumulation after two non-consecutive growing seasons. During the 94/95 growing season 35 cultivars were planted at three locations in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. All samples (total of 105) were contaminated (0.10 g/g–6.58 g/g FB₁ and 0.04 g/g–2.15 g/g FB₂). During the 97/98 growing season, 8 of the cultivars used during 94/95 and 21 others were replanted at the same locations. All 87 samples were contaminated (1.15 g/g–43.80 g/g FB₁ and 0.08 g/g–11.65 g/g FB₂). One cultivar accumulated significantly less fumonisins in all locations during both growing seasons, indicating that some degree of selection may be possible even in climates that favor F. moniliforme (verticillioides) infection of maize. The presence of water surplus in soil from kernel maturity to harvest correlated with concentrations of FB₁ in the grain for the 8 cultivars planted during both seasons at three locations. Observed trends indicated that water excesses and deficits from silking to harvest increased fumonisin levels. The difference in the incidence of FB₁, FB₂, and FB₁ + FB₂ was significant between growing seasons, planting locations and between cultivars. Neither the level of hybridization, nor the type of endosperm, nor the length of the vegetative cycle showed any effect on the FB₁ contamination.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.