Mycotoxin News and Info
BRIEF SEASON UPDATE
2025
During the 2025 corn growing season in Indiana, mycotoxins remained an important concern due to the presence of ear rot diseases associated with toxin-producing fungi. Pathogens such as Fusarium and Gibberella were observed in some fields and are known to produce mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin), zearalenone, and fumonisins. Environmental conditions in parts of the season, including periods of moisture and crop stress, favored ear rot development. As a result, monitoring fields for ear molds and testing grain for mycotoxins at harvest were emphasized as important management steps to reduce risks to grain quality, livestock feed safety, and the ethanol industry.
Gibberella ear rot disease. Pink mold on the ear characteristic of Gibberella ear rot.