South East Texas also received a break from the extreme heat with the arrival of scattered showers. Corn in this area was also destined for the silage bin. Rice and other irrigated crops were progressing well. Spider mites and stink bugs on the rise and causing damage. South East, South West and South Texas have all reported a problem with Aflatoxin in their corn.
Aflatoxin is produced by the fungi Aspergillus.
Its presence in cereal crops such as corn is normal and nontoxic at levels of about 50 ppb. This is beyond the level allowed for human and most livestock consumption. The effects of Aflatoxin vary. South Texas citrus growth was a concern due to a low irrigation supply and their sugar cane field appeared extremely dry, reported Terry Lockamy, the Weslaco district extension director.