Effect of moisture, inoculum, and preharvest stress on aflatoxin B₁ production in corn

Experiments were undertaken to define the main effects and interactions of moisture, inoculum, and pre-harvest stress on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus PC 5225. The results of this study indicated that aflatoxin was readily produced in corn under the experimental conditions. Moisture and inoculum were found to be significant using a least squares analysis of variance (P < 0.10). Stress was not found to be significant in the experimental design (P < 0.10). The interaction of moisture and inoculum was found to be most pronounced when the sample contained 23 percent moisture and had been sterilized and inoculated.