¿Cuál fue el desafío/problema abordado??

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites, which are produced by fungi and can be harmful to humans or animals. Mycotoxins can be produced both in the field and during storage. The presence of mycotoxins in the field varies from one season to another and is related to the weather, but there are certain factors that will have a decisive influence on the production of mycotoxins, such as the varietal factor and certain agricultural techniques used, including the correct management of irrigation.

Currently in Navarre, there is a major problem arising from the presence of this type of mycotoxin in maize. This pilot project will try to address an important need for the farmers, which is to determine the maize varieties that are most resistant to the presence of mycotoxins, as well as to establish the irrigation strategy that will allow more efficient use of water, thereby reducing the presence of mycotoxins in the crop.

¿Cómo resolviste el problema??

Several trials have been carried out in a Cooperative of farmers (the Artajona Cooperative), during two maize campaingns, in irrigated fields which had different levels of mycotoxin incidence in previous years. The aim of this variability is to determine whether the zonal factor has an influence on the presence of mycotoxins, in addition to the varietal factor and efficient irrigation management.

The specific objectives are as follows:

  • To determine the best strategy for irrigation water use that allows for greater efficiency and better water management.
  • To determine the maize varieties most resistant to attack by mycotoxin-causing fungi as a preventive measure.
  • Determine the optimal harvest time for maize with lower mycotoxin content.
  • Relate mycotoxin levels to the weather conditions of each season.
  • Transfer the results to the sector through dissemination activities, conferences and sessions.

¿Qué es innovador en su caso práctico??

The main innovation is the proposed irrigation strategy, which will demonstrate the minor irrigation frequency (the usual practice in the area is daily irrigation) which can lead to a more efficient use of water in agriculture as well as reducing the risk of mycotoxins.

In order to be able to carry out this demonstration, the pilot is based on advances in precision agriculture:

  • Irrigation decision support tool. Irrigation recommendations based on real-time water balances.
  • Monitoring of soil moisture content and determination of irrigation timing and cut-off time based on the measurement of moisture sensors.
  • Irrigation scheduling through remote control.

All these innovative tools, together with the proposed irrigation strategy, will enable to know crop conditions in real time and to improve decision-making.

¿Cuáles son los factores de éxito para resolver el problema??

  • The presence of mycotoxins in cereals is a worldwide concern. These toxins can be harmful if their content in the diet is sufficiently high. That is why their presence, both in cereals and other foods, is regulated and can be a problem in their commercialisation.
  • The colaboration of INTIA and the Cooperative of Artajona, that will support and advice farmers to improve farm yields, reducing their production costs, at the same time complying with the current regulations on the maximum permitted limits of mycotoxins in food and feed.
  • The demostrative character of the pilot in commercial farms.
  • The funding of pilot costs by the Measure 16.2 del Programa de Desarrollo Rural del Gobierno de Navarra.

Lecciones aprendidas

Demonstration pilots, under real conditions, is essential to promote adoption of innovative ways of crop management. Specilly in complex solutions, as it is the case of the strategies to maintain low mycotoxin levels in maize, which cannot be based on a single factor (variedad, irrigation, crop rotation, tillage, variety cycle, sowing and harvesting dates, etc.).

It is important to continue with experimental trials to further evaluate the influence of different agronomic factors on mycotoxin content in grain, involving farmers, asesores e investigadores.

¿Qué papel juega el asesor o servicio de asesoramiento con el caso práctico??

  • Trial planning and monitoring.
  • Calculation of irrigation recommendations.
  • Evaluation of the results obtained.
  • Dissemination actions.

¿Puede su enfoque ser transferido y / o adaptado para otros desafíos de innovación y regiones??

sí

Transferibilidad estimada en una escala de 1 Perspectivas de la formación organizada en Hungría sobre el tema de la innovación interactiva y la creación de redes 5

(dónde 1 es fácil y 5 muy dificil)

3

 

Por compartir la experiencia sobre la buena práctica., Para cualquier duda y consulta sobre las próximas clases de excelencia

Marcos Apesteguía Barberena

mapesteguia@intiasa.es

Enlace a información externa

 

https://www.intiasa.es/web/es/noticias/intia-analiza-las-variedades-de-maiz-y-las-estrategias-de-riego-que-favorecen-una-menor

https://www.navarraagraria.com/component/k2/item/2187-micotoxinas-en-maiz-grano/2