Influenza dei fattori meteorologici e della tecnica colturale sulla presenza di Fusarium spp. e sulla contaminazione da micotossine in frumento duro

The aim of this study is to examine, in a typically Mediterranean climate, the effects of weather conditions and agronomic practices on mycotoxin accumulation produced by <i>Fusarium</i> species, responsible for Fusarium head blight (FHB) in durum wheat (<i>Triticum durum</i>). Deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly referred to as vomitoxin, has been shown to be the most common mycotoxin contaminant associated with FHB infected grains, a mycotoxin that can cause emetic and anorexic syndromes and neurotoxic and immunotoxic effects in mammals. Tests were carried out in 2006-07 and 2007-08 growing seasons at the experimental field of S. Lucia (OR). The efficacy of different management strategies on DON accumulation was compared. Grain samples were analyzed by the ELISA method for deoxynivalenol content (DON). A total of 192 samples were analyzed. Result analysis showed that climatic conditions of the cultivation area do not influence FHB development or mycotoxin contamination. In fact, over the two years, recorded contamination levels were always below the 1,750 ppb limit set by the European Union. Meteorological factors such as wind, precipitation, temperature and relative humidity proved critical in determining the toxigenic fungi attack and consequent DON accumulation in kernels, if they occur during the most susceptible phenological stages. The choice of a less sensitive cultivar and fungicide treatment with effective products against <i>Fusarium</i>, were shown to be effective in containing contamination.