Weather-related incidence of aflatoxin contamination in late-harvested pecans

Tusmln nsbeun esn Wells, J. M., Payne, J. A., and Stoloff, L. 1983. Weather-related incidence of aflatoxin Thus, sampling in subsequent seasons contamination in late-harvested pecans. Plant Disease 67:751-753. was predominantly from orchards or collection bins containing weevilIn surveys of pecan nuts in metropolitan market channels, 4.6% of samples were contaminated by damaged nuts. In the 1975-1976 season, aflatoxins from 1969 through 1980. In a related sampling of orchard pecans, aflatoxin 69 weevil-damaged samples were collected, contamination was found in weevil-damaged samples harvested late in the 1974-1975 season. and 18-24 samples were collected in each Incidence in subsequent years has been negligible to nil. Weather records indicate that monthly successive season. Samples were stored at average temperatures for December through February of each season since 1974-1975 have been -2 C for 1 wk to 5 mo before analysis for below 8.7 C, compared with a normal temperature of 11.2 C. The limiting temperature of aflatoxin aflatoxins. production on fresh pecans was determined to be 10 ± 1 C. Thus, monthly average temperatures Climatic data. Weather data for the during the late pecan season in the southeastern United States may be a significant factor in the Dougherty County area county seat in incidence of aflatoxin contamination. Doghry Cont are o utyiseat in