scholarly journals Degradation of aflatoxin B1 by atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus biocontrol agents

Plant Disease ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lourena A Maxwell ◽  
Kenneth Callicott ◽  
Ranajit Bandyopadhyay ◽  
Hillary Laureen Mehl ◽  
Marc Joel Orbach ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Time Course ◽  
Competitive Ability ◽  
Defined Medium ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Time Course Experiment ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Temperature Time ◽  
Selection Of

Aflatoxins are potent Aspergillus mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, thereby impacting health and trade. Biopesticides with atoxigenic A. flavus as active ingredients are used to reduce aflatoxin contamination in crops. The mechanism of aflatoxin biocontrol is primarily attributed to competitive exclusion but sometimes aflatoxin is reduced by greater amounts than can be explained by displacement of aflatoxin-producing fungi on the crop. Objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the ability of atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and 2) characterize impacts of temperature, time, and nutrient availability on AFB1 degradation by atoxigenic A. flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated maize was inoculated with atoxigenic isolates in three separate experiments that included different atoxigenic genotypes, temperature, and time as variables. Atoxigenic genotypes varied in aflatoxin degradation, but all degraded AFB1 > 44% after seven days at 30°C. The optimum temperature for AFB1 degradation was 25-30°C which is similar to the optimum range for AFB1 production. In a time-course experiment, atoxigenics degraded 40% of AFB1 within three days, and 80% of aflatoxin was degraded by day 21. Atoxigenic isolates were able to degrade and utilize AFB1 as a sole carbon source in a chemically defined medium, but quantities of AFB1 degraded declined as glucose concentrations increased. Degradation may be an additional mechanism through which atoxigenic A. flavus biocontrol products reduce aflatoxin contamination pre- and/or post-harvest. Thus, selection of optimal atoxigenic active ingredients can include assessment of both competitive ability in agricultural fields and their ability to degrade aflatoxins.

scholarly journals Present Status and Perspective on the Future Use of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Products

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 491 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Moral ◽  
Maria Teresa Garcia-Lopez ◽  
Boris X. Camiletti ◽  
Ramon Jaime ◽  
Themis J. Michailides ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Future Perspectives ◽  
Important Food ◽  
Active Ingredients ◽  
Practical Strategy ◽  
The Us ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Agricultural Industries

Aflatoxin contamination of important food and feed crops occurs frequently in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The contamination is caused mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination negatively affects health and trade sectors and causes economic losses to agricultural industries. Many pre- and post-harvest technologies can limit aflatoxin contamination but may not always reduce aflatoxin concentrations below tolerance thresholds. However, the use of atoxigenic (non-toxin producing) isolates of A. flavus to competitively displace aflatoxin producers is a practical strategy that effectively limits aflatoxin contamination in crops from field to plate. Biocontrol products formulated with atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients have been registered for use in the US, several African nations, and one such product is in final stages of registration in Italy. Many other nations are seeking to develop biocontrol products to protect their crops. In this review article we present an overview of the biocontrol technology, explain the basis to select atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients, describe how formulations are developed and tested, and describe how a biocontrol product is used commercially. Future perspectives on formulations of aflatoxin biocontrol products, along with other important topics related to the aflatoxin biocontrol technology are also discussed.

scholarly journals Aflatoxin Contamination in Agricultural Commodities

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (04) ◽  
pp. 148-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. N. Rajarajan ◽  
K. M. Rajasekaran ◽  
N. K. Asha Devi
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Aflatoxin M1 ◽  
Organic Substrates ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Hydroxylated Metabolite ◽  
Carcinogenic Compound

Aflatoxin is a naturally occurring Mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aspergillus flavus is common and widespread in nature and is most often found when certain grains are grown under stressful conditions such as draught. The mold occurs in soil, decaying vegetation, hay and grains undergoing microbiological deterioration and invades all types of organic substrates whenever and wherever the conditions are favourable for its growth. Favourable conditions include high moisture content and high temperature.The aflatoxin group is comprised of aflatoxin B1,B2,G1 and G2. In addition , aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hydroxylated metabolite of AFB1, is excreted in the milk of dairy cows consuming an AFB1-contaminated ration. Aflatoxin B1 a prototype of the aflatoxins, is widely recognized as the most potent hepato carcinogenic compound and along with other certain members of the group, possess additional toxic properties including mutagenicity, tetrogenicity, acute cellular toxicity and it suppresses the immune system. Aflatoxin contamination of food and feed has gained global significance as a result of its deleterious effects on human as well as animal health. The marketability of food products is adversely affected by aflatoxin contamination.

scholarly journals Identification of the Optimum Environments for the High Yield and Quality Traits of Lentil Genotypes Evaluated in Multi-Location Trials

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8247
Author(s):  
Dimitrios N. Vlachostergios ◽  
Christos Noulas ◽  
Anastasia Kargiotidou ◽  
Dimitrios Baxevanos ◽  
Evangelia Tigka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Agronomic Traits ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Breeding Programs ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Superior Genotypes ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
The Ideal

Lentil is a versatile and profitable pulse crop with high nutritional food and feed values. The objectives of the study were to determine suitable locations for high yield and quality in terms of production and/or breeding, and to identify promising genotypes. For this reason, five lentil genotypes were evaluated in a multi-location network consisting of ten diverse sites for two consecutive growing seasons, for seed yield (SY), other agronomic traits, crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT) and crude protein yield (CPY). A significant diversification and specialization of the locations was identified with regards to SY, CP, CT and CPY. Different locations showed optimal values for each trait. Locations E4 and E3, followed by E10, were “ideal” for SY; locations E1, E3 and E7 were ideal for high CP; and the “ideal” locations for CT were E3 and E5, followed by E2. Therefore, the scope of the cultivation determined the optimum locations for lentil cultivation. The GGE-biplot analysis revealed different discriminating abilities and representativeness among the locations for the identification of the most productive and stable genotypes. Location E3 (Orestiada, Region of Thrace) was recognized as being optimal for lentil breeding, as it was the “ideal” or close to “ideal” for the selection of superior genotypes for SY, CP, CT and CPY. Adaptable genotypes (cv. Dimitra, Samos) showed a high SY along with excellent values for CP, CT and CPY, and are suggested either for cultivation in many regions or to be exploited in breeding programs.

scholarly journals A Case for Regular Aflatoxin Monitoring in Peanut Butter in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from a 3-Year Survey in Zambia

2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 795-800 ◽  
Author(s):  
SAMUEL M. C. NJOROGE ◽  
LIMBIKANI MATUMBA ◽  
KENNEDY KANENGA ◽  
MOSES SIAMBI ◽  
FARID WALIYAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Peanut Butter ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Comprehensive Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
Batch Number ◽  
Sub Saharan

ABSTRACT A 3-year comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin contamination in peanut butter was conducted in Zambia, sub-Saharan Africa. The study analyzed 954 containers of 24 local and imported peanut butter brands collected from shops in Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke, Katete, and Nyimba districts and also in Lusaka from 2012 to 2014. For analysis, a sample included six containers of a single brand, from the same processing batch number and the same shop. Each container was quantitatively analyzed for aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in six replicates by using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; thus, aflatoxin contamination level of a given sample was derived from an average of 36 test values. Results showed that 73% of the brands tested in 2012 were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 130 μg/kg. In 2013, 80% of the brands were contaminated with AFB1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 10,740 μg/kg. Compared with brand data from 2012 and 2013, fewer brands in 2014, i.e., 53%, had aflatoxin B1 levels >20 μg/kg and ranged up to 1,000 μg/kg. Of the eight brands tested repeatedly across the 3-year period, none consistently averaged ≤20 μg/kg. Our survey clearly demonstrates the regular occurrence of high levels of AF B1 in peanut butter in Zambia. Considering that some of the brands tested originated from neighboring countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the current findings provide a sub-Saharan regional perspective regarding the safety of peanut butter.

scholarly journals Transcription Profiling ofCandida albicansCells Undergoing the Yeast-to-Hyphal Transition

2002 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 3452-3465 ◽  
Author(s):  
André Nantel ◽  
Daniel Dignard ◽  
Catherine Bachewich ◽  
Doreen Harcus ◽  
Anne Marcil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Course ◽  
Dna Microarrays ◽  
Culture Medium ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Pathogenic Fungus ◽  
Hyphal Growth ◽  
Transcription Profiles ◽  
Hyphal Morphology ◽  
External Signals ◽  
Temperature Time

The ability of the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans to switch from a yeast to a hyphal morphology in response to external signals is implicated in its pathogenicity. We used glass DNA microarrays to investigate the transcription profiles of 6333 predicted ORFs in cells undergoing this transition and their responses to changes in temperature and culture medium. We have identified several genes whose transcriptional profiles are similar to those of known virulence factors that are modulated by the switch to hyphal growth caused by addition of serum and a 37°C growth temperature. Time course analysis of this transition identified transcripts that are induced before germ tube initiation and shut off later in the developmental process. A strain deleted for the Efg1p and Cph1p transcription factors is defective in hyphae formation, and its response to serum and increased temperature is almost identical to the response of a wild-type strain grown at 37°C in the absence of serum. Thus Efg1p and Cph1p are needed for the activation of the transcriptional program that is induced by the presence of serum.

scholarly journals Changes in Fungal Population and Aflatoxin Levels and Assessment of Major Aflatoxin Types in Stored Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea Linnaeus)

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
pp. 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Maina Wagacha ◽  
Charity K. Mutegi ◽  
Maria E. Christie ◽  
Lucy W. Karanja ◽  
Job Kimani
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Fungal Population ◽  
Total Aflatoxin ◽  
Regulatory Standards ◽  
Polyethylene Bags ◽  
Jute Bags ◽  
The Eu

<p>Peanut kernels of Homabay Local, Valencia Red, ICGV-SM 12991 and ICGV-SM 99568 cultivars were stored for six months in jute, polypropylene and polyethylene bags to assess the effect of storage bags, temperature and R.H. on fungal population and aflatoxin contamination. Moisture content (M.C.), fungal population and aflatoxin levels were determined before storage and after every 30 days during storage. Isolates of <em>Aspergillus flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> were assayed for production of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. The correlation between MC, population of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> and aflatoxin levels in peanuts was also determined. Six fungal pathogens were commonly isolated from the peanut samples and occurred as follows in decreasing order: <em>Penicillium</em> spp. (106.6 CFU/g), <em>A. flavus</em> L-strain (4.8 CFU/g), <em>A. flavus</em> S-strain (2.9 CFU/g), <em>A. niger </em>(2.6 CFU/g), <em>A. parasiticus </em>(1.7 CFU/g) and <em>A. tamarii </em>(0.2 CFU/g). The overall population of <em>A. flavus</em> L-strain was 66% higher than that of <em>A. flavus</em> S-strain. Ninety one percent of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>A. parasiticus</em> isolates produced at least one of the four aflatoxin types assayed, with 36% producing aflatoxin B1. Total aflatoxin levels ranged from 0 - 47.8 µg/kg with samples stored in polyethylene and jute bags being the most and least contaminated, respectively. Eighty nine percent and 97% of the peanut samples met the EU (? 4 µg/kg) and Kenyan (? 10 µg/kg) regulatory standards for total aflatoxin, respectively. Peanuts should be adequately dried to safe moisture level and immediately packaged in a container - preferably jute bags - which will not promote critical increases in fungal population and aflatoxin contamination.</p>

scholarly journals Aflatoxin B1 risk management in Parmigiano Reggiano dairy cow feed

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgia Canestrari ◽  
Barbara Ricci ◽  
Valentina Pizzamiglio ◽  
Alberto Biancardi ◽  
Pierluigi Piazza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Quality Control Program ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Feed Samples ◽  
Parmigiano Reggiano ◽  
The Eu

This study investigated aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination in dairy cow feed and the risk management of AFB1 content in concentrates undertaken by feed industries in the Parmigiano Reggiano area. Data on aflatoxin contamination risk management applied in 29 feed industries were collected and the AFB1 content of 70 feed samples was analyzed. Data were collected within the framework of a quality control program promoted by the Parmigiano Reggiano Consortium in 2013 and 2014. Audit results showed that the control procedures to prevent AFB1 contamination mainly focused on maize and its by-products. AFB1 concentration resulted lower than 5 ppb (legal EU limit) in all samples; in one out of 70 samples, AFB1 content was 3.8 ppb and in all the other samples it was lower than 3 ppb. Results showed that AFB1 risk management applied by Italian feed industries effectively monitors AFB1 levels in feed below the EU legal limit.

A 2019 STUDY ON TOTAL AFLATOXINS IN ROMANIAN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) SAMPLES

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Irina Zmeu ◽  
Elena Mirela Cucu ◽  
Alina Alexandra Dobre ◽  
Hellene Casian
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Physical Treatment ◽  
Agronomic Practices ◽  
Commission Regulation ◽  
Maize Sample ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Risk Areas

Mycotoxin contamination represents a clear public health concern. In this context, a maize survey was conducted in Romania, to monitor the occurrence of total aflatoxins in maize samples collected during the 2019 growing season from fields located in all counties. A total of 95 maize samples were collected along with information regarding the specific location of fields, the applied agronomic practices and cropping systems. ELISA method was used for the quantification of AFs. The results showed 88 contaminated samples. Only one sample registered aflatoxin levels higher than the limit of 10.00 μg/kg, settled by the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 for maize to be subjected to soring or other physical treatment before human consumption or use as an ingredient in foodstuffs. The highest AFs level was 77.59 μg/kg, noted by a maize sample from Argeș County (the South-Muntenia development region, macro region 3). When referring to the analysed samples, the total aflatoxin contamination was independent of the type of hybrid, but strongly influenced by the pedo-climatic differences between counties. The southern counties proved to represent critical risk areas for aflatoxin contamination when referring to maize crops. These results highlight the importance of an effective and sustainable mycotoxin management along the food and feed chain, as well as the need of mapping the mycotoxin risk areas.

scholarly journals Enzyme Immunoassay for Measuring Aflatoxin B1 in Legal Cannabis

Toxins ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 265 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Di Nardo ◽  
Simone Cavalera ◽  
Claudio Baggiani ◽  
Matteo Chiarello ◽  
Marco Pazzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Analytical Methods ◽  
Limit Of Detection ◽  
Direct Analysis ◽  
Aflatoxin Contamination ◽  
Throughput Capacity ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Coefficients Of Variation

The diffusion of the legalization of cannabis for recreational, medicinal and nutraceutical uses requires the development of adequate analytical methods to assure the safety and security of such products. In particular, aflatoxins are considered to pose a major risk for the health of cannabis consumers. Among analytical methods that allows for adequate monitoring of food safety, immunoassays play a major role thanks to their cost-effectiveness, high-throughput capacity, simplicity and limited requirement for equipment and skilled operators. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive enzyme immunoassay has been adapted to measure the most hazardous aflatoxin B1 in cannabis products. The assay was acceptably accurate (recovery rate: 78–136%), reproducible (intra- and inter-assay means coefficients of variation 11.8% and 13.8%, respectively), and sensitive (limit of detection and range of quantification: 0.35 ng mL−1 and 0.4–2 ng mL−1, respectively corresponding to 7 ng g−1 and 8–40 ng g−1 ng g−1 in the plant) and provided results which agreed with a HPLC-MS/MS method for the direct analysis of aflatoxin B1 in cannabis inflorescence and leaves. In addition, the carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 was detected in 50% of the cannabis products analyzed (14 samples collected from small retails) at levels exceeding those admitted by the European Union in commodities intended for direct human consumption, thus envisaging the need for effective surveillance of aflatoxin contamination in legal cannabis.

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