Florets may be bleached tan to white within green healthy portions of the head. Infected kernels are chalky white to pink and shriveled. A salmon-colored mass of fungus spores may be visible at the base of infected glumes. The disease reduces yields and test weight. Mycotoxins production may occur in the field or in storage.
Mycotoxins can be detrimental to the health of both animals and humans.
Although thousands of molds are capable of growing on stored grain, only a few mold species produce mycotoxins. There are many different mycotoxins, but most are rare in Midwest grain. Vomitoxin is a toxin that may be produced by the scab causing fungus. The occurrence of scab does NOT automatically mean that vomitoxin is present, but high levels of scabby kernels in the harvested grain should be suspect. Vomitoxin can affect flavors in foods and baking quality.