| Datura (Datura stramonium L.) is an agricultural weed that contains toxic tropane alkaloids. Reports of tropane alkaloid contamination in crops have increased in recent years. Crop contamination usually occurs due to the presence of Datura in fields at harvest time. Seeds and plant parts are harvested along with the crop and enter the processing chain. Therefore, there is an urgent need for action to minimise the risk of crop contamination. To this end, the StopDatura project was launched to develop measures to minimise unwanted contamination in agricultural crops.
The project focused on (1) the mapping and analysis of the occurrence and spread dynamics of Datura in Austrian agriculture, (2) the presentation and application of a method for detecting Datura in soybean fields using high-resolution drone imagery and automated image recognition, and (3) the development of a rapid test to detect contamination of crops with tropane alkaloids. In addition, (4) a Code of Practice was developed.
Analysis of the distribution data shows that the main areas where Datura is currently found are the warm lowlands of Burgenland and Lower Austria. Further spread in other federal states (Carinthia, Upper Austria and Styria) is likely. Analysis of the drone imagery shows that late-season Datura infestation in soya bean crops (n = 159 fields in Lower Austria and Burgenland) poses a significant problem, and contamination of the harvest is likely. Image analysis can be used to create infestation maps, which can then be utilised to implement targeted measures.
The ELISA-based rapid test has been successfully adapted and validated for soybeans and buckwheat. The results show that negative samples are reliably identified. Suspicious and positive samples must still undergo instrumental analysis for confirmation.
Various target groups (including farmers, food and feed producers, public authorities and professional and public audience) were made aware of the subject of Datura through communication of the findings at conferences, in working groups, in scientific publications, via information campaigns, social media, press relations and organised Datura discussions. Based on the project results, literature, and discussions with experts, a Code of Practice (Guidance on preventing contamination of crops with seeds and tropane alkaloids from Datura) was developed. |