LAUSR

1697 Corn (Zea mays L.) is a major worldwide crop that contributes significantly to the economy, because it is used in crop rotations, as animal feed, in the fermentation industry, and for direct human consumption (Abbas et al., 2002, 2017; Battilani et al., 2016). In 2016, the corn harvested area in the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Europe equaled 70, 63, 37, and 18 million ha, respectively (FAO STAT, http://www.fao. org/faostat/en/#data/RM). Despite its importance, corn grain infection by Aspergillus flavus and subsequent aflatoxin contamination is a worldwide concern (Battilani et al., 2016; Henry et al., 2009; Warburton et al., 2013). Naturally contaminated grain has been reported in several countries other than the United States (e.g., Australia, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Kenya, Mozambique, Philippines, Thailand, and Uganda) (Battilani et al., 2016; Blaney et al., 2008; Chauhan et al., 2008; Lewis et al., 2005; Shephard, 2008; Shotwell, 1977). Consequently, corn grain quantity and quality is highly impacted by aflatoxin contamination. As a result of its high toxicity, aflatoxins are associated with the greatest losses and management costs among mycotoxins; therefore, the United States Food and Drug Administration agency (US FDA) has set 20 μg kg–1 as the upper limit for corn contamination with aflatoxins that can be used for human consumption or feed of young animals (Fountain et al., 2014; Robens and Cardwell, 2003; U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2000). These toxins are deleterious to both humans and animals, because of their immunosuppressant, mutagenic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic effects, and as such, also have a significant impact on the corn grain industry (Hernández-Martínez and Navarro-Blasco, 2010; Payne, 1992; Wahl et al., 2017). Balancing the economic importance of corn with the public health risk associated with contaminated food consumption is crucial. Minimum Temperature, Rainfall, and Agronomic Management Impacts on Corn Grain Aflatoxin Contamination