Evaluation of hot water and electron beam irradiation for reducing Fusarium infection in malting barley.

The use of Fusarium-infected barley for malting may lead to mycotoxin production and decreased product quality. Physical methods for the treatment of Fusarium-infected barley may prevent these safety and quality defects and allow the use of otherwise good quality barley. Hot water and electron beam irradiation were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing Fusarium infection while maintaining germinative energy in barley samples. Hot-water treatments involved temperatures of 45, 50. 55, and 60 degrees C and treatment times of 0, 1, 5, 10, and 15 min. Electron beam irradiation involved doses ranging from 0 to 11.4 kGy. Treatment with water at 45 degrees C for 15 min resulted in a reduction in Fusarium infection from 32 to 1% after 15 min, with only a very slight reduction in germination. Treatment with water at 50 degrees C for 1 min resulted in a reduction in Fusarium infection from 32 to 2%, and no effect on germination was observed for up to 5 min of treatment. At higher water temperatures. Fusarium infection was essentially eliminated, but germination was also severely reduced. Electron beam irradiation of Fusarium-infected barley reduced Fusarium infection at doses of >4 kGy, and a slight increase in germination for dry samples was observed with doses of 6 to 8 kGy. Doses of >10 kGy significantly decreased germination. Physical methods may have potential for the treatment of Fusarium-infected malting barley.