Fumonisin production of black Aspergilli in vitro, fumonisin and ochratoxin A production in figs of positive strains and their growth assessment

Abstract

Fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), B₂ (FB₂) and B₃ (FB₃), production of Aspergillus Section Nigri isolates obtained from dried fig samples were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fumonisin (FUM) positive strains were investigated for ochratoxin A (OTA) production in fig paste, as well. Additionally, the growth rate and lag phase of these strains were determined. Almost 13% of total isolates (10/133 strains) produced FB₂, however none of the isolates produced FB₁ and FB₃ in the culture medium. All FB₂ positive strains in medium also produced FB₂ in the fig paste. None of the fumonisin positive strains produced OTA in culture medium and fig paste. The mean growth rate of all FUM-producing strains were faster at 30 °C than 25 °C in the culture medium.

• Black Aspergillus
• dried fig
• fumonisin
• fungal growth
• high-performance liquid chromatography
• ochratoxin A

Acknowledgements

The authors greatly appreciate critical reviews of the use of English and valuable comments of Dr Nancy Zabe (VICAM, a Waters Business, Milford, MA).