Good Agricultural Practices | SOLUTIONS

GOOD FARMING PRACTICES

Nowadays it is not feasible to completely mitigate mycotoxin contamination of cereals.

It is important to note that mycotoxin formation can occur pre- or post-harvest. Thus, the best method of control is prevention during the cultivation and harvesting phase of the crop.

Today there are uniform guidelines at a global level that must be taken into account in efforts to control and manage contamination by different mycotoxins. For this Code of Practice to be effective, it is necessary for producers in each country to consider the general principles set forth in it, taking into account local crops, climatic conditions and agricultural practices before attempting to apply the provisions of the Code.

It is important for producers to be aware that Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are the first line of defense against mycotoxin contamination of cereals, followed by the application of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during the handling, storage and distribution of cereals intended for human and animal consumption.

SOME GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

CROP PLANNING

Avoid planting the same crop for two consecutive years in the same field. A rotation plan is advised.
Take into account that wheat and corn are highly susceptible to mycotoxin contamination.
Before starting a new crop, it is advisable to prepare the land by removing stems or stubble that have remained and where fungi may develop.
In areas of high erosion, it is recommended to apply practices that guarantee soil conservation.
Carry out soil analysis before cultivation to determine if it requires fertilizers and conditioners to maintain its pH.
Use crop varieties adapted to the region.
Choose a good time to plant. That is, avoid times of high temperatures and drought.
Maintain adequate spacing between plants to avoid overcrowding.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR PRE-HARVEST

Use appropriate insecticides and fungicides for crops as part of pest control programs.

Eradicate weeds from the crop through herbicides or mechanical methods.
Apply irrigation evenly to reduce plant stress and promote crop maturation.
Harvest the crop when the grain has low moisture content and is ripe.
Use well-maintained equipment for harvesting and storage.
Have adequate and calibrated equipment to measure moisture content.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR HARVESTING

Trucks, wagons, and containers used to collect and transport grain must be clean, dry, and free of insects.
Avoid contact between the grain and the ground during the harvest.
Properly collect crop residues, stems, stubble from infected plants to prevent the spread of toxins to the soil and future crops.
Once the crop is harvested, determine its moisture levels.
Keep moisture levels under control so that they remain below those that favor the development of mold during storage.

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR STORAGE

Avoid piling up freshly harvested wet product for more than a couple of hours before drying.
Ensure continuous ventilation, guaranteeing good air circulation.
Have adequate storage facilities, dry, ventilated, with proper drainage systems, pest and temperature control.
Monitor the level of mycotoxins in grain entering and leaving the warehouse through reliable sampling programs. One of the most recommended is the analysis with a HPLC-MS device.

Mycotoxin Detoxifier: QUIMITŌX®

GOOD FARMING PRACTICES

SOME GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

CROP PLANNING

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR PRE-HARVEST

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR HARVESTING

GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES FOR STORAGE

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