An experiment was conducted to illustrate factors regarding mold growth including the time frame, conditions, and outcomes. The five samples were divided at the same time from the same source. Random amounts of water were added to each sample in the beginning of the experiment.

Mycotoxins cannot be seen even under a regular microscope. However, mold that produces them can be seen easily. While not all molds produce mycotoxins, all molds lower the value of stored grain because they grow by eating it. However, the mold we see may be brushed off but have mycotoxins remain in the kernel.

The samples were kept in different rooms at room temperature in the same building.

Picture 1 is corn that had been stored properly for 18 months and was the source for the samples in the subsequent 5 pictures.

(This is not purported to be a scientifically controlled experiment. While repeatable in substance, the outcomes will vary dependent on the levels of MC, spore exposure and other factors. Rather it is simply to illustrate basics — including speediness — regarding mold growth on grain).

Notice several aspects of this experiment:

► each started with equivalent corn from the same source;

► each was placed within the same building with approximately the same temperature;

► each had been exposed to the same spores of mold from the field and through 18 months of storage;

► each may have been exposed to different spores present in the different rooms in which they were placed;

► each had random amounts of water added — notice the comments below the pictures.

1st Sample – Corn stored 18 months

Sample 2 – 6 days later

Sample 3 – 16 days later

Sample 4 – 18 days later

Sample 5 – 18 days later

Sample 6 – 18 days later