Microbiota and Mycotoxins in Trilinear Hybrid Maize Produced in Natural Environments at Central Region in Mexico

Abstract

Mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in 3 inbred lines (hybrids resistant to corn ear rot) were identified in twenty samples. The maize ( Zea mays ) accessions were collected in five plots of two municipalities in High Valley, state of Hidalgo. The fungal population was determined with a microbiological dilution method used two culture media (PDA and ELA), for the detection of mycotoxins with thin layer chromatography with visual inspection in UV light and a direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). The results showed high moisture content in all hybrids evaluated on an average of 38.3% and a 1.8 × 10 3 UFC/g fungus, values within the permitted limits by the Mexican legislation; however the most prevalent fungi were Fusarium sp. (76%), Alternaria sp. (14%), Penicillium sp. (4%) and Aspergillus sp. (5%), and the species Aspergillus nidulas , Aspergillus flavus , Fusarium verticillioides , Fusarium poae , and Penicillium ochraceum . The aflatoxin concentration was observed in a range from 2 to 13 ng/g and 370 to 660 ng/g to fumonisins. It is concluded that trilinear corn hybrids have a variety of pathogenic potential fungi. The two genetic hybrids showed levels of aflatoxins and fumonisin safe for human consumption, contrary to one hybrid, with a content not suitable for human consumption. A better understanding of genetic hybrids corn will improve predictive mycotoxin contamination.