Levels of total fumonisins in maize samples from Italy during 2006-2008.

We analysed a total of 2258 grain samples over a 3-year period (2006-2008) from 93 storage centers in the principal maize cultivation area of Italy to establish the levels of fumonisin contamination. Fumonisin concentrations were measured using ELISA (RIDASCREEN) fumonisin test kits. Mean levels of contamination were remarkably high in each year, with the highest value in 2006 (10.

Characterization of maize germplasm for the chemical composition of the grain.

The aim of this research was the evaluation of food grain quality-related traits in a collection of maize populations of different origins, currently used in the framework of breeding and genetic programs. A total of 1245 maize samples were scanned by near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to develop calibration equations to evaluate the content of crude protein, crude lipid, starch, and floatation area. The performances of the NIR equations developed in our study were assessed using the determination coefficient of cross-validation r(2) (ranging from 0.

Rapid detection of kernel rots and mycotoxins in maize by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a practical spectroscopic procedure for the detection of organic compounds in matter. It is particularly useful because of its nondestructiveness, accuracy, rapid response, and easy operation. This work assesses the applicability of NIR for the rapid identification of micotoxigenic fungi and their toxic metabolites produced in naturally and artificially contaminated products.

Application of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to the evaluation of carotenoids content in maize.

The importance of including antioxidant compounds in the diet is well recognized. These compounds remediate the detrimental activity on animal cells of the so-called reactive oxygen substances (ROS). Many papers have reported on the determination of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic antioxidant compounds present in a large number of vegetables, and all methods involve the extraction from the matrix of the compounds to be determined.