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Farmers’ Guide to Management of Aﬂatoxin in Maize and Groundnuts in AfricaTrainer’s guideRESEARCH PROGRAM ONAgriculture for Nutrition and HealthIITA is a member of the CGIAR System Organizationwww.iita.org  |  www.aflasafe.com  |  www.agresults.org/projects/nigeriaUse improved seed varieties Plant maize and groundnutvarieties recommended in yourarea and contact extensionagents for advice.1Source seeds and inputs appropriate for growth conditionsObtain seeds for planting and otherinputs from a reliable source, such as an agro-dealer. Follow good agronomicpractices to grow the crop.Plant at the right time to avoid crop stressors, synchronise withrainfall patterns forgrowth, and have enoughrain for growth and maturity towards the end of the season. Plant on timeDo not plant too earlyto avoid crops maturingduring the rains. 324Apply fertilizer and other inputs  Crops grown under stressare more susceptible to infection by the aflatoxin-producing fungi that causecontamination. Applying fertilizer and other key inputsreduces crop stress.5Control insect damage Control insects, particularlystem borer, during cropgrowth. Insects create woundson the crop that may facilitatefungal infection.Sometimes insect attack may completely damage the crop.Undertake timely controlof weeds to avoid themcompeting with the crop.Weed control can be donemanually with a hoe, bull,tractor, or herbicide.Remove weeds 6Apply Aflasafe at theright crop stageThe atoxigenic beneﬁcialstrains of Aflasafe requiremoisture to grow, thereforeapply Aflasafe after rains,when rains are expected orwhen the soil is wet.7Pre-harvestrecommendationsFarmers’ Guide to Management of Aﬂatoxin in Maize and Groundnuts in AfricaTrainer’s guideHarvestingTimely harvest of crops limits aflatoxin contamination. Harvest immediately after thecrop is mature. 2LodgingPlants should remain erect during harvesting. Maize plants that are fallen on the ground should be lifted up and tied together.13Sorting of damaged cobs Separate crops from immature, insect damaged or diseased ones to avoid contamination. Damaged crops may have been infected by aflatoxin-producing fungi and may contain high aflatoxin concentrations.HeapingFarmers often heap themaize plants in the ﬁeld andallow for drying. The heaps should remain erect in the form of a cone.DehuskingDehusk the cobs directlyinto a bag and avoid contact with the soil.56Drying During drying, sort to remove immature cobs, infected cobs/grains, debris, and broken cobs.Do not dry grains on bare ground either in the ﬁeld or at home. Avoidcrops coming in contact with water/ moisture during drying.7Sorting during dryingDo not dry grains with symptomsof infection or diseased along withhealthy ones.Separate the healthy cobs fromimmature, insect damaged ordiseased cobs8Determining safe moisture content Farmers can test for properly dried maize by cracking kernels between the teeth. If it shatters then kernels are dry. If it is sticky then kernels are not dry. 49Use well calibrated threshers in order to maintain good grain quality in maize. Do not thresh maize by beating with sticks; this may increase proportions of broken kernels.Threshing 10Clean, repair, and disinfect the storage structure before bringing in new harvest Fumigate the storage structure to control insects and rodents.Storing11Maintain good hygienic conditions during threshing to avoid further contact with soil or contamination by livestock. Sanitation12Avoid transportation in uncovered trucks. Transport maize and groundnut in water-proof vehicles to avoid re-wetting of the crop. TransportRESEARCH PROGRAM ONAgriculture for Nutrition and HealthIITA is a member of the CGIAR System Organizationwww.iita.org  |  www.aflasafe.com  |  www.agresults.org/projects/nigeriaPost-harvestrecommendations

Farmers' guide to management of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts in Africa: trainer's guide

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Farmers' guide to management of aflatoxins in maize and groundnuts in Africa: trainer's guide

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