Mycotoxin and fungicide residues in wheat grains from fungicide-treated plants measured by a validated LC-MS method

- LC-MS method for simultaneous determination of mycotoxin and fungicide residue in wheat grains.
- Fungicides presented a stressor effect and stimulated the production of AFB2, AFG2, ZEA, and OTA.
- AFB1 and DON contamination was reduced in all tested fungicide treatments.
- Trifloxystrobin was the only fungicide found below maximum tolerable limits.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is an annual crop, cultivated in the winter and spring and susceptible to several pathogens, especially fungi, which are managed with fungicides. It is also one of the most consumed cereals, and can be contaminated by mycotoxins and fungicides. The objective of this study was to validate an analytical method by LC-MS for simultaneous determination of mycotoxins and fungicide residues in wheat grains susceptible to fusarium head blight treated with fungicides, and to evaluate the relationship between fungicide application and mycotoxin production. All parameters of the validated analytical method were within AOAC and ANVISA limits. Deoxynivalenol was the prevalent mycotoxin in wheat grain and epoxiconazole was the fungicide residue found in the highest concentration. All fungicidal treatments induced an increase in AFB2 production when compared to the control (without application). AFB1 and deoxynivalenol, on the contrary, were reduced in all fungicide treatments compared to the control.