Good Agricultural Practices | SOLUTIONS

GOOD FARMING PRACTICES

Nowadays it is not feasible to completely mitigate mycotoxin contamination of cereals.

It is important to note that mycotoxin formation can occur pre- or post-harvest. Thus, the best method of control is prevention during the cultivation and harvesting phase of the crop.

Today there are uniform guidelines at a global level that must be taken into account in efforts to control and manage contamination by different mycotoxins. For this Code of Practice to be effective, it is necessary for producers in each country to consider the general principles set forth in it, taking into account local crops, climatic conditions and agricultural practices before attempting to apply the provisions of the Code.

It is important for producers to be aware that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are the first line of defense against mycotoxin contamination of cereals, followed by the application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during the handling, storage and distribution of cereals intended for human and animal consumption.

SOME GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

CROP PLANNING

Avoid planting the same crop for two consecutive years in the same field. A rotation plan is advised.
Take into account that wheat and corn are very sensitive to be attacked by mycotoxins.
Before starting a new crop, it is advisable to prepare the land by removing stems or stubble that have remained and where fungi may be developed.
In areas of high erosion, it is recommended to apply practices that guarantee soil conservation.
Carry out soil analysis before cultivation to determine if it requires fertilizers and conditioners to maintain its pH.
Try to grow varied seeds according to the area and the country.
Choose a good time to plant. That is, avoid times of high temperatures and drought.
Keep the furrows apart between the plants to avoid overcrowding.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR PRE-HARVEST

Use appropriate insecticides and fungicides for crops in the framework of pest control.

Eradicate weeds from the crop through herbicides or mechanical methods.
Apply irrigation evenly to all plants. It reduces stress and promotes crop maturation.
Harvest the crop when the grain has low moisture content and is ripe.
Use equipment in good condition for harvesting and storing crops.
Have adequate and calibrated equipment to measure moisture content.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR HARVESTING

Trucks, wagons, and containers used to collect and transport grain must be clean, dry, and free of insects.
Avoid that the cereal has contact with the ground during the harvest.
Properly collect spikes, stems, stubble from infected plants to prevent the spread of toxins to the soil and future crops.
Once the crop is harvested, determine its moisture levels.
Keep humidity levels controlled so that they remain below those that favor the development of mold during storage.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR STORAGE

Avoid piling up freshly harvested wet product for more than a couple of hours before passing it to dry.
Permanently ventilate the products, guaranteeing good air circulation.
Have adequate storage facilities, dry, ventilated, with groundwater drainage, pest and temperature control.
Monitor the level of mycotoxins in grain entering and leaving the warehouse through reliable sampling programs. One of the most recommended is the analysis with a HPLC-MS device.

Mycotoxin Detoxifier: QUIMITŌX®

GOOD FARMING PRACTICES

SOME GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

CROP PLANNING

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR PRE-HARVEST

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR HARVESTING

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR STORAGE

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