A common problem observed by grain handlers is the appearance of corn with germ discoloration. Discoloration of the germ indicates kernel death.
Blue eye is caused by the production of blue-green fungal spores on the germ tissue.
Aspergillus glaucus or species of Penicillium . The presence of blue eye usually indicates that the grain has been improperly stored. Identifying the fungus responsible for the blue eye is of value because it may help determine what may have gone wrong in storage. The fungus Aspergillus glaucus is a common cause of blue eye. Spores of the fungus are present around all grain storage facilities.