Mould and mycotoxin contamination of stored corn in Turkey.

A total of 167 corn samples, including imported and locally grown corn, were obtained from various regions and store houses in Turkey and surveyed for mould occurrence and mycotoxin content. The mould contamination level was 10(5) - 10(6) colonies/g.A. flavus, A. niger, F. oxyporum, P. variable, andRhizopus spp. However, the dominant flora showed significant differences between the imported and domestic corns. Afiatoxin B1 was found in 16 % of the samples ranging from 2-74μg/kg. Ochratoxin A and sterigmatocystin were found at minimum detection levels. Mycotoxin production characteristics of mould isolates were also determined.