Differential fumonisin production in maize hybrids

Fifteen commercially available maize (Zea mays) hybrids were planted at 17 locations in 1990, and grain was analyzed for fumonisin by immunoassay. Mean fumonisin of all hybrids at the different locations varied from 0.5 to 48.5 μg/g. In general, fumonisin increased as latitude of the location decreased. Kernel characteristics such as protein, oil, starch, and total fiber of the hybrids were not correlated with fumonisin production. Over all locations, there were highly significant location and hybrid effects, and a significant hybrid × location interaction [...]