Deoxynivalenol and Acetyldeoxynivalenol Accumulation in Field Maize Inoculated with Fusarium graminearum

Seven selected maize hybrids (Smolimag, Ruten, KLG 2210, Zenit, Betulisa, RAH BE 86101 and RAH BE 90102) were toothpick inoculated in the ear (at ∼ 10 days after midsilk) with a single isolate of Fusarium graminearum in order to determine their reaction to infection and susceptibility to mycotoxin accumulation in the tissues. Deoxynivalenol (DON), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol (15-AcDON), and 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3-AcDON) were detected in differing amounts in kernels, husks, stalks (nodes and internodes) and roots. DON was recovered from stems, husks and damaged kernels at levels of 864, 278 and 93mg/kg, respectively, while 15-AcDON was recovered at 235, 55 and 11mg/kg and 3-AcDON was recovered at 3, 2 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively. Maize hybrids Smolimag and Ruten were most resistant to infection and contained the lowest amounts of mycotoxins in the tissues while Zenit, RAH BE 90102, RAH BE 86101 and Betulisa were most susceptible to infection and accumulated higher amounts of mycotoxins.