The study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation of seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens and NPK fertilization (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) on chemical composition and contamination by fungal-fumonisin of maize grains. The experiment was conducted in randomized block design in factorial 2 x 3, corresponding to inoculation with P. fluorescens (non-inoculated or inoculated) and levels of NPK fertilization (0, 125 and 250 kg ha-1, formulation 8-28-16), with 4 replications. The parameters evaluated were chemical composition (protein and ash), contamination by fungal (mold and yeast) and fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2). The data were subjected to analysis of variance, comparisons of means by Tukey test and Pearson correlation by test-t (p < 0.05). Inoculation with P. fluorescens and mineral fertilizer as an isolated factor did not affect the parameters evaluated (p > 0.05). The interaction between factors, increase in NPK level and use of P. fluorescens, resulted in increase in protein content and ash (p < 0.05), and reduction in contamination by yeast of the grain, favoring the growth of Fusarium sp. (r = -0.40, p < 0.05). The levels of total fumonisins (FB1+FB2) observed are above the maximum tolerated limit established by health surveillance agencies.
Zea mays L.; diazotrophic bacteria; mineral fertilization; bromatology; mycotoxin
