PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF AFLATOXINS IN GROUNDNUT

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PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF AFLATOXINS IN
GROUNDNUT
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Host plant resistance

• 100 genotypes obtained from ICRISAT screened
  under artificially inoculated conditions
• The blocks were heavily infected with the fungus.
• 19 genotypes were free from infection
• Tested once again for confirmation in summer 2002
• The performance of the genotypes was not good
• In kharif 2002, 80 released varieties have been
  sown in these blocks

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• An integrated package evaluated in farmers
  fields
• Summer Ploughing
• Healthy seed _at_120 kg/ha
• Seed treatment with carbendazim _at_ 2g/kg
• Furrow application of Trichoderma (biocontrol
  agent tested at the NRCG) based in castor
  cake/FYM _at_ 500 kg/ha
• Harvest at right maturity
• Drying to reduce pod moisture quickly to less
  than 9
• Sorting of diseased pods
• Plant protection esp. management of leaf spots,
  rust, and stem rot, managing insect pest

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AFLATOXIN ISSUES CONFLICTING ?

• No clear evidence yet that aflatoxins are
  carcinogenic to humans
• Study in China revealed no significantly higher
  incidence of liver cancer in groundnut
  producing/consuming provinces (Ref. Ecological
  Survey in the Peoples Republic of China-1990
• Joint Expert Committee on Food Additives (JEFCA)
  appointed by FAO and WHO reported that the direct
  carcinogenic potential of aflatoxins in humans
  has been over estimated.
• Human beings are in all probability substantially
  less susceptible than Rats, Rabbits, etc.
• Effect of toxin depends on the factors
• Amount of toxin
• Frequency of intake
• Resistance of the body

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AFLATOXIN ISSUES DISTURBING?

• Distribution of aflatoxin in peanut and corn is
  highly positively skewed
• Given skewed distribution of aflatoxin,
  particularly in whole kernels, it is extremely
  difficult to collect sample which accurately
  represent the mean lot concentration.
• As a result, sampling step is the largest source
  of variation
• Risk of Consumers and Producers associated with
  any sampling plan - lowering sample size,
  increasing farmers risk

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ON-FARM DEMONSTRATIONS

• Site Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Distinction Worlds largest Gnut growing
  dist. (0.75 m.ha) with high aflatoxin risk
  (50-150 ppb)
• Support UNDP Support (Rs. 1million)
• Strength 5 Project Associates stationed at
  5 adopted villages
• 20 farmers in each village, 1 acre plot
• 100 demonstrations each in rainy and post
  rainy season.

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Managing factors

• A. Pre - harvest
• At soil level
• Deep ploughing/Soil solarization
• Application of Neem/Castor cake
• Application of sand in relatively heavier soils
• Application of Gypsum and Potash
• At plant level
• Matching phenophase with drought pattern in a
  given location/situation escape end of season
  drought
• Introducing genotypes with better testa
  resistance, seed colonization/ aflatoxin
  production
• Prophylactic measure for foliar fungal diseases
  1 spray of Chlorothalonil
• Trap cropping with Pigeonpea, Castor to protect
  main crop
• Judicious use of available water and provide of
  life saving irrigation-in case of prolonged
  drought spell
• Harvesting at appropriate physiological maturity
  
• B. Post - harvest
• Drying of plants with pod upside
• Quick threshing and drying to bring pod moisture
  at 7
• Storage in Polythene lined gunny bag/galvanizedf
  tin container in cooler/humidity free place.
• Following these practices it has been possible to
  demonstrate aflatoxin risk free groundnut
  production even in high risk area

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Thank You