As anticipated, the weather conditions during corn silking when high heat coupled with little precipitation has yielded a corn grain crop in many parts of the state with visible signs of lighter test weights on the cob and signs of mold proliferation.
Field dry, low test weight kernals are very likely to crack before or during harvest. This is when molds that produce aflatoxins can form in as little as twenty-four hours. And previously uninfected, or undetectable levels can develop in previously uninfected kernals if the molds that cause the toxin are present in the environment (field,combine, storage).
Aflatoxins levels in feed and corn intended for human consumption are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. All animals can be sickened by high levels of aflatoxins. The tolerance ranges established by the FDA range from 20 ppb to 300 ppb (parts per billion) depending on the age, weight and type of poultry, swine, and cattle. Pet food’s made from corn fed to dogs and cats have a tolerance range of 20 ppb. For detailed information see the March 2019 revision of the FDA compliance policy guide on Action Levels for Aflatoxins in Animal Food https://www.fda.gov/media/121202/download
There are four main types of aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Aflatoxin B1 is the major toxin produced, and is regulated in the United States at 20 ppb in agricultural products that may be used in human food.
Laboratories will test for the different types of aflotoxins and also conduct a comprehensive screen for all mycotoxins in the feed sample. Prices generally begin at $25.00 for an individual aflatoxin test to $100.00 for a comprehensive screen.
Sample each field by variety separately. Focus on the areas with visible signs of light test weight kernals (pre-mature husk death, unfilled ear tips, visible molds on kernals, cracked kernals). For comparision, find a healthy normal section of corn and test.
Waypoint Analytical Feed and Forage Form. Write ‘Aflatoxin test’ on the form; or write ‘Complete Mycotoxin Screen’ on the form. Indiviual samples for Aflatoxin are currently $24.50. Individual tests for complete screen for mycotoxins are currently $85.00. https://www.waypointanalytical.com/Docs/samplesubmittalforms/WaypointFeedandForageInfosheet-Pennsylvania.pdf
Rutgers Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. Call the lab for test availability and pricing. https://njaes.rutgers.edu/plant-diagnostic-lab/contact.php
Dairy One (Mycotoxin Panel $99: Aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, Vomitoxin, Zearalenone, T2, 3-acetyl DON, 15-acetyl DON) https://dairyone.com/services/forage-laboratory-services/submitting-a-sample/
Right on time with last year’s observations, adult spotted lanternflies (SLF) were found in Pilesgrove (Salem County) NJ. In 2020 adults at the same location were found on July 23 so despite the earlier hatch observed in May, the phenology is right on track.
In 2020, adults dispersed in large numbers to commercial vineyards around September 4. I think this dispersal is a combination of depletion of resources (they are literally sucking the sap out of trees) and density. As NJ populations of SLF increase, they are depleting food resources faster. I expect this movement from wooded areas to vineyards will happen earlier this year, likely mid August. There will be a few bugs here and there, but commercial vineyard managers should wait to apply insecticides until you see the larger influx. Across sites, the 10 adults/vine threshold was reached around the same time last year – although some vineyards had much larger numbers per vine – so this is a good threshold to use for now. I will post management recommendations for the adults soon!