Factors influencing mycotoxins production in maize (zea mays l.) and groundnuts (arachis hypogaea l.) in sub-humid, semi-arid areas of eastern central, Tanzania

The aim of this study was to assess factors influencing mycotoxins contaminations in maize (Zea mays L.) and groundnuts (Arachis hypogeal L.) in Kilosa District, Tanzania. The data for the research was collected by use of questionnaires. There were several post-harvest practices that were positively related with mycotoxin contaminations. Mycotoxin development in maize and groundnuts was positively related to shelling of the stored produces by using machinery (p=0.022), insect damage (p=0.012), storing maize and groundnuts in the same storage room from year to year (p=0.006), heaping of maize on the floor in a house (p=0.004) and storing the produce in shelled form (p=0.042). Storage practices associated with lower mycotoxin level were; sorting of damaged spoilt cobs, drying the produce after three (3) weeks and use of traditional storage protectants. Control measures of mycotoxins suggested by this study include early harvesting, rapid drying to the required moisture content, sorting, sanitation, insect control, use of botanicals and synthetic chemicals as storage protectants.