Spatial dynamics of T-2 and HT-2 toxins in Swedish oats

Authors

• Thomas Börjesson Agroväst Livsmedel AB, PO Box 64, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
• Kristin Persson Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Soil and Environment, SE-532 23 Skara, Sweden
• Anders Lindgren Lantmännen R&D, PO Box 30192, SE-104 25, Stockholm, Sweden

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23986/afsci.146831

Keywords:

cereals, Fusarium toxins, spatial variability, weather variables, baby foods

Abstract

The contents of T-2 and HT-2 toxins (T2+HT2) were analysed in 677 samples of oats delivered to silos in Sweden during the years 2020─2022. The spatial and temporal variation patterns in the prevalence of elevated T2+HT2 contents were explored and the covariation with temperature means or precipitation sums computed for windows of 15 days and T2+HT2 levels in the previous year were tested. There was a statistically significant spatial variation structure (Moran’s I; p< 0.05) in two of the years, and high T2+HT2 content was positively related to high content the previous year (p< 0.001). There were positive correlations between T2+HT2 content and warm weather in July and negative correlations with precipitation in May and July in two of the years. This is the first time a pronounced regional variability for T2+HT2 is presented. The results can be valuable when searching for safe regions to produce grains intended for food for infants. In a sampling campaign in 11 fields, it was found that T2+HT2-levels can vary substantially within fields.

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