Hi-Bred International, Inc. Fumonisin is a toxin produced by a mold that develops in corn under certain conditions and can prove fatal to livestock. Using technologies related to genomics, Pioneer scientists along with researchers from CuraGen have cloned a gene that works together with another gene to degrade the toxins produced by the mold, making corn grain safer for livestock. This is an excellent example of the successful genomics program at Pioneer, says Tony Cavalieri, Pioneer vice president of Trait and Technology Development. We will continue to see our investment in genomics pay off.
Insect damage combined with wet grain and fluctuating temperatures commonly lead to mold growth.
While some fungi are harmless, others can produce mycotoxins, which are harmful to certain livestock. One such mycotomin is fumonisin. This toxin, in particular, can be present in grain without visible signs of moldiness. At certain levels, it may cause a fatal respiratory disease in swine and a fatal brain disease in horses. Unfortunately, fumonisin is difficult to eliminate in corn.