Aspergillus flavus population isolated from soil of Argentina's peanut-growing region. Sclerotia production and toxigenic profile

✍ Scribed by Germán Barros; Adriana Torres; Sofía Chulze

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2005
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 127 KB
• Volume: 85
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0022-5142
• DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.2257

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The Aspergillus flavus population was evaluated in the period 1998–2001 in soil samples from the peanut‐growing region in Argentina. A total of 369 A flavus isolates were examined for sclerotia, aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid production. The L phenotype was isolated in a higher percentage than the S phenotype and represented 59% of the total isolates. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between L, S and non‐sclerotial strains with regard to aflatoxin and cyclopiazonic acid production (p < 0.05). The S strains produced higher mycotoxin levels than the L and non‐sclerotial strains. About 10% of the S strains had an unusual pattern of mycotoxin production because they simultaneously produce aflatoxins B and G and CPA. The S~BG~ strains isolated in the present study have all morphological and microscopic characteristics of A flavus. These strains are of concern in food safety, as there is a higher probability of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry