WESMYG

Weather Data-Based System for Predicting Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals

Funding body: BMF (Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance), FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency) / KIRAS (Austrian Security Research programme)

WESMYG develops a predictive model for early detection of mycotoxin contamination in cereals using weather and analysis data – focusing on impacts for feed and food sectors.

The aim of the project WESMYG (Weather Data-Based System for Predicting Mycotoxin Contamination in Cereals) is the development of a basis for an early warning system for cereal producers and processors. Fungi and their toxins, in particular mycotoxins, can contaminate and ruin food and animal feed. By detecting such mycotoxin contamination as early as possible, a contribution can be made to the security and sustainability of supply for grain. One of the greatest challenges of the project is the creation of an Austrian database of historical and current mycotoxin measurements from the main cereal growing areas in Austria. This mycotoxin data will be spatially linked with weather data. The newly created database will be used to develop a statistical prediction model for mycotoxin contamination in cereals (e.g. wheat). In the course of a harvest year, an early forecast of possible mycotoxin contamination can help to choose the optimal harvest time and thus reduce mycotoxin contamination. The model is validated by the predictive performance for new periods and additional mycotoxin measurements (test data for the predictive quality of the next harvest year). A broad project consortium of commercial enterprises, research institutions and other stakeholders is essential for the project and the development of a practical approach. 14 partners, who provide measurement data, are involved in the project. The analytical methods used by the various partners include both rapid screening methods and complex methods for the identification and quantification of mycotoxins using instrumental analysis (confirmation methods), such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The analytical methods used are evaluated in terms of available performance criteria, costs and their potential for use in predictive models. Finally, the legal implications of an entire forecasting system are discussed.

Involved institutions

Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES)

AGRANA Research & Innovation Center GmbH

Assmannmühlen Gesellschaft m.b.H.

Biomin Holding GmbH

Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Climate and Environmental Protection, Regions and Water Management

BOKU University, Vienna, Department of Bioanalytics and Agro-Metabolomics

Garant - Tiernahrung Gesellschaft m.b.H.

GoodMills Österreich GmbH

Kärntner Mühle Kropfitsch GmbH

Standing Committee of the Presidents of the Chambers of Agriculture

Likra Tierernährung GmbH

Österreichische Mühlenvereinigung

Pfahnl Backmittel GmbH

ROMER LABS Division Holding GmbH

RWA Raiffeisen Ware Austria Aktiengesellschaft

Stöber Mühle e.U.

University of Vienna, Department of Innovation and Digitalisation in Law

The WESMYG project is funded as part of the Security Research programme KIRAS/K-PASS by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance and managed by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency.