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African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development
Rural Outreach Program
ISSN: 1684-5358
EISSN: 1684-5358
Vol. 16, No. 3, 2016, pp. 1039-1053
Bioline Code: nd16037
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge

African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, Vol. 16, No. 3, 2016, pp. 1039-1053

 en ASSESSMENT OF PRE-HARVEST AFLATOXIN AND FUMONISIN CONTAMINATION OF MAIZE IN BABATI DISTRICT, TANZANIA
Nyangi, C; Beed, F; Mugula, JK; Boni, S; Koyano, E; Mahuku, G; Sulyok, M & Bekunda, M

Abstract

A survey was conducted in 2013 to establish total aflatoxin and total fumonisin in maize, as well as farmers’ practices relating to maize cultivation and awareness of mycotoxins, in three villages of Babati District, northern Tanzania. Quantification of total aflatoxin and fumonisin was done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Reveal AccuScan® Neogen, USA) and the results were confirmed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer. The mean aflatoxin was 2.94 μg/kg and all samples (n=440) were within the East African Community (EAC) standard of 10 μg/kg for total aflatoxin, but the mean fumonisin was 5.15 mg/kg, more than double the EAC standard of 2 mg/kg, and 35% of samples exceeded this standard. Maize samples obtained from farmers in the village in the mid altitude, dry zone had significantly higher mean aflatoxin (3.32 μg/kg) and significantly lower mean fumonisin (3.17 mg/kg) than maize from the other two villages (in the high and mid altitude, high rainfall zones). Most farmers (n=442) were male (72%), educated to primary school level (77%) and aware of mycotoxins (62%). As well as participating in a development program, Africa Research in Sustainable Intensification for the Next Generation, most (86%) farmers had experience of working with other development programs. All farmers used flat planting, most used improved seeds (98%), ox ploughing (78%), insecticides (78%) and early planting (36%). Practices associated with mycotoxins were planting time, tillage methods, previous season planted crops, and use of insecticides. Awareness of mycotoxins and climatic conditions were also associated with mycotoxin prevalence. In conclusion, good practices are associated with acceptable aflatoxin levels and should be continued. However, the high level of fumonisins warrants further investigation.

Keywords
aflatoxins; fumonisins; at-harvest, maize; Tanzania; mycotoxins; food safety; farming practices; staple food

 
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