Once Again - Mold Ill Must Be Careful With What They Eat

[Moldleg333]

As I have previously stated, many cereal grains contain high levels of
mycotoxins. Wheat and corn to mention a few are known to carry an
array of toxins such as Aflatoxins and Vomitoxins. Always keep in mind
that mold colonizes the body. This is one of the main reasons that us
mold victims are so ill. Science has shown that fungi are behind many
of the common illnesses we hear about everyday and we are also
experiencing. From research that I have conducted, mycotoxins severely
can suppress our immune systems and damages our intestines. With these
facts, it is also feasible that not only do we get colonized by the
mold fungi we inhaled but also by many other species of fungi can up
colononizing us as well as simultaneously. Candida Albicans is one
species to mention. Albicans has also been shown to produce Gliotoxin,
which also poses serious health threats quite similar to mold fungi.
This is why it is so important to keep in mind and be careful when
choosing food to eat. A key component to look for are foods high in
sugars. Fungi love sugar. A high carbohydrate food like potatoes for
instance has been listed as a food to stay away from. If you need more
proof just leave a potato on a table. It will grow mold not to long
into the future. It is my personal experience staying away from foods
and obviously discontinuing the use of any additional sugars or
artificial sweeteners makes a big difference. As documented in
literature the idea is to try and feed your self while starving and
killing the beast (colonized fungi) within. Most mold diets suggest
low carb foods as well as foods low with fungi. Cheeses are another
food that is highly colonized and is highly recommended to stay away
from. Fungi is how milk becomes cheese. It is a fermented food. I
would advise discussing a proper diet with a doctor who is trained in
treating mycotoxicosis (mold toxicity) correctly.

Below is a recent story that displays how some grains are mold
favorites.


Wet, cool conditions causing ear rots and grain mold concern
http://theindependent.com/articles/2009/11/14/news/local/10882651.txt


By Robert Pore
rober...@theindependent.com
Published: Thursday, November 5, 2009 8:02 PM CST
Cool, wet weather hasn't just delayed harvest, but has also raised
concern about corn ear rot diseases and grain molds, according to a
University of Nebraska plant pathologist.

Tamra Jackson, UNL Extension plant pathologist, said some farmers and
crop consultants are observing rotted ears, which can be related to
several ear rot diseases.

"We are in a potentially serious situation right now because we are
seeing increasing numbers of ear rot diseases, which could lead to
grain mold issues later," Jackson said.

According to Todd DeVries, crop and marketing specialist for Aurora Co-
op in Aurora, there have been some cases of rot and molds in their
trade territory, which covers much of south Central Nebraska and north
central Kansas.

Nebraska Food festival focuses on locally produced foods
"But I would say they are pretty isolated so far," he said. "It's not
a serious problem, but farmers are cautious about it. What I have seen
coming into the elevators and heard from farmers, it has been pretty
good quality so far."

Jackson said Nebraska farmers should continue to scout their fields
for these diseases, as ear rots and grain molds can reduce the quality
of grain and lead to major deductions at the elevator.

"We recommend scouting to see how serious these conditions are so that
farmers can take action," Jackson said.

DeVries said corn conditions are good, with yields slightly above
average.

Earlier this week, the Nebraska Field Office of the USDA National
Agricultural Statistics Service reported corn conditions at 80 percent
good or excellent, better than last year's 77 percent good or
excellent rating.

DeVries said wet conditions during October were a contributing factor
to the mold and rot problems. During September and October, Grand
Island received 4.35 inches of precipitation, including 4.5 inches of
snow.

Last year, during September and October, Grand Island received 7.5
inches of precipitation. The big difference, though, was that the
daily average temperature during this October was 44.6 degrees, which
is 7.4 degrees below normal for the month.

While October 2008 had more precipitation, 5.99 inches, the daily
average temperature was 52.5 degrees, or 7.9 degrees higher than this
October.

It was the daytime lows during October that especially caused the
problem as the cold didn't allow crops to dry. Daytime highs during
October were 54.2 degrees compared to the daytime high average in
October 2008 of 64.3 degrees. Comparing average nighttime lows, this
October averaged 35 degrees, down from the average of 40.1 degrees in
October 2008.

That lack of warm weather in October to dry the corn in the field also
kept moisture in the corn kernels high. Many fields were averaging
moisture levels of more than 20 percent. Corn moisture levels are
still high, DeBries said, in the lower 20s and upper teens.

"Things have just been wet for the whole month of October," DeVries
said. "Things just stayed wet and damp. That's when you get those
molds."

Weather conditions have improved, as daytime temperatures so far this
month have averaged around 60 degrees, which is about 7 degrees above
normal. Temperatures will continue to be above normal, with highs in
the 70s and upper 60s going into the weekend, before there's a slight
chance for showers Sunday evening.

Statewide, USDA reported earlier this week that 18 percent of the
harvest has been completed. DeVries estimated in the Aurora Co-op
trade area, about 25 percent of the corn has been harvested, though
that number will speed up with the warmer conditions. He estimated
soybean harvest at about 90 percent complete.

"It has been a good week so far as the guys are really out there
getting after the harvest," DeVries said.

If farmers are having serious problems with mold and rot, Jackson
recommends avoiding storing the grain.

"It will only get worse in the bin," she said.

If it is stored, the corn needs to be dried down to below 15 percent
moisture within 48 hours of harvest.

However, there may be the potential for mycotoxins, Jackson said.

The good news is that there have been no reports of toxic aflatoxin,
which actually requires hot and dry conditions to produce. Alflatoxin
is carcinogenic to humans and livestock with action levels established
by the FDA. It is produced by the fungus that causes Aspergillus ear
rot.

The most common problem seen so far this year has been Diplodia ear
rot, also called stenocarpella, Jackson said.

Diplodia is a common disease in the Corn Belt.

The fungus that causes this disease does not produce a mycotoxin but
can significantly reduce grain quality.

Extensive fungal growth usually begins at the base of the ear and can
overtake the entire ear, creating a lightweight mummified ear.

In addition to these symptoms, this disease can be recognized by the
production of small, raised, black fungal reproductive structures on
infected kernels and stalks, giving it a rough feeling when touched.

"If you feel those back dots that feel like sandpaper, you may have
Diplodia," Jackson said.

Another disease that has been common this year is Fusarium ear rot.

Fusarium may infect any part of the ear and takes advantage of wounds
created by insects or hail.

"The species that cause this disease also can secrete mycotoxins
called fumonisins into the grain," Jackson said.

Fumonisins are deadly to horses and in swine can cause porcine
respiratory syndrome, said Michael Carlson, diagnostic toxicologist in
UNL's Veterinary Diagnostic Center. This mycotoxin is carcinogenic,
but is not as toxic at low concentrations as aflatoxins are.

Other common ear rots and grain molds are Gibberella and Penicillium.

Gibberella is recognized by the red or pink discoloration of the
kernels and the red or pink mycelium growing around the kernels.
Mycotoxins called vomitoxin and zearalenone are produced by this
fungus. Both of these are not regulated.

Vomitoxin and zearlalenone are not deadly to animals, but both can
affect performance, Carlson said.

Vomitoxin is associated with feed refusal or decreased feed
consumption. Thresholds for decreased feed intake are 1 part per
million to swine and 10 to 20 parts per million in ruminant animals,
such as cattle. Zearalenone typically is not at high enough levels to
harm animals but can cause problems in swine reproduction.

Carlson said the bottom line for producers is to get a laboratory test
if there is a concern.

Penicillium is another grain mold that can cause a discoloration of
the embryo known as "blue eye" and may be accompanied by the
production of penicillic acid, which is not usually a toxin concern.
This disease is more of a storage problem and is favored by high
moisture levels in grain bins. It has recently been reported in
Nebraska.

For more information about ear rots and grain molds, including
additional photographs of the diseases, consult the Oct. 23 issue of
Crop Watch, UNL Extension's crop production newsletter and the Oct. 30
episode of Market Journal at:

http://cropwatch.unl.edu

http://marketjournal.unl.edu.