Why it matters
Maize ear rots not only reduce grain quality and yield but also pose serious food safety risks due to the production of harmful mycotoxins. These fungal diseases are difficult to control, especially in wet seasons like those recently experienced in South Africa. To help producers protect their crops and consumers, this project is mapping the distribution of maize ear rots and associated toxins across the country. By identifying high-risk areas and linking disease outbreaks with weather patterns, it will support better decision-making, improve disease forecasting, and help safeguard South Africa’s maize industry.
Research approach
The project collects maize samples from the Maize Cultivar Evaluation trial sites across South Africa’s maize production regions. Fungi are isolated from these samples and identified using lab techniques, including DNA sequencing. Alongside this mycotoxin levels in the grain are analysed, and weather data from the same regions is gathered. This combined dataset is being used to identify patterns between climate, disease, and mycotoxin presence. The goal is to build a disease prediction model that helps anticipate outbreaks. The project also works with key partners, including ARC, Hortec, SAGL and leading agricultural companies, to ensure the system is accurate, practical, and widely applicable.
Research impact to farmers
Once complete, this research will help producers know when and where maize ear rot risks are high and what factors trigger mycotoxin buildup. It will guide better crop selection, timing of harvest, and storage decisions. Over time, the disease prediction model will support early warning systems and the selection of cultivars with lower risk under certain conditions. Producers, advisors and industry bodies will benefit from access to a science-based tool for managing food safety and quality risks thereby helping reduce losses.
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