Natural occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins in Korean barley samples harvested in 1987 and 1989

Twenty-three barley samples harvested in 1987 and 34 barley samples harvested in 1989 were analyzed for deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), and zearalenone (ZEN). Out of 23 samples in 1987 crop, 22, 22 and 9 were positive for DON, NIV and ZEN, respectively. Of 34 samples in 1989 crop, 13, 24 and 9 were positive for DON, NIV and ZEN, respectively. Frequencies and levels of Fusarium mycotoxins in 1987 crop were higher than those in 1989 crop. It seems that higher humidity and lower temperature during the heading through harvest season in 1987 resulted in higher levels of Fusarium contamination and mycotoxins as compared to those in 1989.