Effect of Moisture and Incubation Time on Ochratoxin A Production by an Isolate of Aspergillus ochraceus
Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine the culture requirements that would insure a probability of high ochratoxin production with a given isolate. Experiments at ambient temperatures (72 ± 2°F) determined the levels of the two most readily controlled variables, time and moisture content, during the growth of a high toxin-producing isolate (M298) of Aspergillus ochraceus. Tests were conducted in 2.8 L - Fernbach flasks containing 100 g shredded wheat and inoculated with spores on a transfer needle. Amounts of ochratoxin A/flask were determined by comparison against standards on TLC after chloroform extraction. Statistical analysis showed a relation between ochratoxin yield, water levels, and incubation periods. A water level of 40–70 ml/flask with an incubation period of 19-21 days at ambient temperatures should give a near to maximum yield of ochratoxin A.