By David Schmoll
Mayfield, KY – A regional Agriculture Extension Agent says a higher level of a naturally occurring fungus in corn isn't too alarming. Farmer's Corn Harvests are showing higher than normal amounts of Aflatoxin. Graves County Agricultural Extension Agent Kenny Perry says the conditions are just right for the fungs' development.
"The hot, dry conditions they tend to go together, but the development is specifically favored by nighttime temperatures above 70 degrees, daytime temperatures above 90 degrees and daytime humidity above 80 percent."
Perry stresses this is a highly local issue the effect of which does not stretch far outside of the Purchase area. Even within the Purchase area, not all farmers will come into contact with the fungus.