title: Effects of the botanical composition and weather conditions on mycotoxins in winter forage from grassland.
abstract: The paper focuses on possible effects of the botanical composition and weather conditions on the extend of zearalenone and ochratoxin A concentrations in various grass swards in winter pasture systems. Zearalenone is only detectable in pure stands ofLolium perenne or inLolio-Cynosuretum plant communities, respectively. The occurrence of ochratoxin A is more frequent and less specific concerning the botanical composition. This mycotoxin was found in both,Lolium perenne andFestuca arundinacea in varying years. The incidence of ochratoxin A depends on year and is apparently related to the weather conditions in autumn and winter. There was no evidence that particular locatio8/22/2008 12:57PMns have a higher or a lower risk for high ochratoxin A or zearalenone concentrations than others. Peak values in individual swards are not intermittent over the years.
authors.affiliation: Department of Grassland Management and Forage Production, University of Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Laser
authors.forename: W Opitz
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: V Boberfeld
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wöhler
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wolf