Growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin formation in Brazil nuts

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Johnsson ◽  
M. Lindblad ◽  
A. Thim ◽  
N. Jonsson ◽  
E. Vargas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Field Data ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Brazil Nuts ◽  
Field Samples ◽  
Aspergillus Nomius ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Storage

The present study aimed at gaining more knowledge of the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin production in Brazil nuts in relation to humidity conditions and storage time. For this purpose, the growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and the increase in aflatoxin levels in Brazil nuts was studied in the laboratory at temperature and humidity conditions that are relevant for the Amazon region. Fresh unprocessed Brazil nuts in shell were inoculated with an aflatoxin producing strain of Aspergillus nomius previously isolated from Brazil nuts. The nuts were stored at 27 °C in combination with 97, 90 or 80% surrounding relative humidity in a respirometer for up to 3 months. The General Linear Model (GLM) was used for evaluation of the effect of water activity and time on aflatoxigenic mould levels and on aflatoxin levels, as well as the relationship between mould and aflatoxin levels. During storage at the highest relative humidity (97%) aflatoxin formation occurred rapidly, whereas storage at 90% relative humidity resulted in slower aflatoxin formation. At the lowest relative humidity (80%), aflatoxin formation occurred sporadically during storage. The increase in mould and aflatoxin levels along the production chain is also described, using field data collected in the state of Para, Brazil. The growth of aflatoxigenic moulds and aflatoxin formation increased rapidly between 40-90 days following collection of the nuts, before the nuts reached the final drying stage at the processing plant. In addition, a logistic regression model predicting the probability that the European legislative limit of 4 µg/kg for aflatoxins in nuts will be exceeded in relation to colony counts of either one selected aflatoxigenic mould strain (laboratory experiments) or of a mixture of aflatoxigenic strains (field data) was developed. The probability that total aflatoxin levels will exceed the European legislative limit of 4 µg/kg increased rapidly from approx. 30% to above 80% for both experimental and field samples at mould levels between 2 and 3 log cfu/g.

scholarly journals Drying in Brazil Nut Processing as Tool for Prevention of Contamination by Aflatoxins

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Ariane M. Kluczkovski ◽  
Allyne C. P. da Silva ◽  
Janaína Barroncas ◽  
Jacqueline Lima ◽  
Henrique Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Industrial Process ◽  
Raw Material ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Drying Process ◽  
Brazil Nut ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Brazil Nuts ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Amazonas State

Drying is fundamental in the processing of Brazil nuts to prevent contamination by aflatoxins which are produced by fungi, as well as to extend the shelf life of the product. The binomial time/temperature is applied to guarantee the efficiency of drying stages. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the parameters of moisture content (mc) and water activity (Aw) in processed and unprocessed nuts obtained from a processing plant in the Amazonas state, Brazil, during the harvests of 2019 and 2020. Differences were observed regarding Aw between the harvests, and in processed and unprocessed samples. However, for mc, no differences between years or interaction between factors were observed. Processed samples from 2019 and 2020 showed a significant reduction in moisture content when compared to unprocessed samples and this may be because some modernization occurred in the drying process and raw material was stored under better conditions. We therefore conclude that the time/temperature binomial has a direct impact on product safety and should be applied from the moment of collection of raw material until the industrial process begins to guarantee economic maintenance of the production chain.

Effect of temperature on growth, gene expression, and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus nomius isolated from Brazil nuts

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-180
Author(s):  
Nathália B. S. Yunes ◽  
Rodrigo C. Oliveira ◽  
Tatiana A. Reis ◽  
Arianne C. Baquião ◽  
Liliana O. Rocha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Brazil Nuts ◽  
Aspergillus Nomius

Aspergillus nomius, an important aflatoxin producer in Brazil nuts?

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Olsen ◽  
P. Johnsson ◽  
T. Möller ◽  
R. Paladino ◽  
M. Lindblad
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Influence Strategies ◽  
Fungal Strains ◽  
Brazil Nuts ◽  
Aspergillus Nomius ◽  
Aflatoxin B ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Relationship

The relationship between aflatoxin B1 and G1 was examined in samples from 199 aflatoxin contaminated lots of inshell Brazil nuts imported to Europe. In most of the samples, the relationship between B1 and G1 were approximately 50/50 indicating that the major responsible aflatoxin producing fungi cannot be Aspergillus flavus, which produces solely B aflatoxins. Fungal strains were isolated from two batches of Brazil nuts and isolates of both A. nomius and A. flavus could be identified. The A. nomius isolates were good producers of both B and G aflatoxins, while the A. flavus strains only produced B aflatoxins. In conclusion, this study suggests that A. nomius is an important producer of aflatoxins in Brazil nuts and that its occurrence, and possibly other B and G aflatoxin producers, should be further examined since this may influence strategies for prevention and control of aflatoxins in Brazil nuts.

scholarly journals Optimizing Walnut Storage Conditions: Effects of Relative Humidity, Temperature, and Shelling on Quality after Storage

HortScience ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Claire Adkison ◽  
Kelly Richmond ◽  
Nico Lingga ◽  
Veronique Bikoba ◽  
Elizabeth Mitcham
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Low Temperature Storage ◽  
Quality Degradation ◽  
Shell Temperature ◽  
Effects Of Temperature ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Storage Temperatures ◽  
Temperature Storage

With increasing walnut production in California, walnuts are stored for longer times. It is increasingly important to optimize storage conditions, wherever possible, to reduce quality degradation. We examined the effects of temperature (5, 15, and 25 °C) and relative humidity (20%, 40%, and 60% in year 1 and 40%, 60%, and 80% in year 2) on the rate of quality degradation of four walnut varieties. The relationship between water activity and moisture content was investigated for each variety. In addition, the effects of harvest timing (early vs. late) and storage as shelled or in-shell product were investigated. Later harvested walnuts had darker kernel color (P < 0.001), and walnuts stored as kernels (shelled) had higher rates of peroxide formation and free fatty acid development than walnuts stored in-shell. Temperature had a significant effect on quality with faster degradation at higher temperatures. There was a significant interaction between temperature and relative humidity effects on quality. The effects of relative humidity were often not significant at storage temperatures of 5 °C but were apparent at 15 °C and at 25 °C. Managing relative humidity during walnut storage is difficult under typical commercial storage conditions; however, when low temperature storage is used, quality is preserved even when relative humidity is not controlled, although storage at 80% relative humidity should be avoided. To reduce the rate of color darkening and rancidity development during commercial storage, operators should emphasize storage at lower temperatures, at least below 15 °C.

EL NINO RELATED CLIMATE AND DENGUE FEVER CASES IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
MASROOR ALI KHAN ◽  
KHALID AL GHAMDI ◽  
JAZEM A. MEHYOUB ◽  
RAKHSHAN KHAN
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Dengue Fever ◽  
El Niño ◽  
Significant Relationship ◽  
El Nino ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Mosquito Abundance ◽  
Dengue Transmission ◽  
The Relationship

The focus of this study is to find the relationship between El Nino and dengue fever cases in the study area.Mosquito density was recorded with the help of light traps and through aspirators collection. Climate data were obtained from National Meteorology and Environment centre. (Year wise El Nino and La Nina data are according to NOAA & Golden Gate Weather Services). Statistical methods were used to establish the correlation coefficient between different factors. A high significant relationship was observed between Relative Humidity and Dengue fever cases, but Aedes abundance had no significant relationship with either Relative humidity and Temperature. Our conclusion is that the El Nino does not affect the dengue transmission and Aedes mosquito abundance in this region, which is supported by earlier works.

Barley seed storage under controlled conditions

2019 ◽  
pp. 140-150 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. A. Zadorozhna ◽  
T. P. Shyianova ◽  
M.Yu. Skorokhodov
Keyword(s):  
Hordeum Vulgare ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Spring Barley ◽  
Seed Storage ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Hordeum Vulgare L ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Storage

Seed longevity of 76 spring barley gene pool samples (Hordeum vulgare L. subsp. distichon, convar. distichon: 56 nutans Schubl., two deficience (Steud.) Koern., two erectum Rode ex Shuebl., two medicum Koern.; convar. nudum (L.) A.Trof.: one nudum L. та subsp. vulgare: convar. vulgare: nine pallidum Ser., three rikotense Regel.; convar. coeleste (L.) A.Trof.: one coeleste (L.) A.Trof.) from 26 countries, 11 years and four places of reproduction was analyzed. Seeds with 5–8% moisture content were stored in chamber with unregulated and 4oC temperature. The possibility of seed storage under these conditions for at least 10 years without significant changes in germination has been established. The importance of meteorological conditions in the formation and ripening of seeds for their longevity is confirmed. The relationship between the decrease of barley seeds longevity and storage conditions, amount of rainfall, temperature regime during the growing season of plants is discussed.

scholarly journals The Impact of Alkaloid-Producing Epichloë Endophyte on Forage Ryegrass Breeding: A New Zealand Perspective

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Colin Eady
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Abiotic Stressors ◽  
Livestock Health ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
And Storage ◽  
Selection Of ◽  
Epichloë Endophyte

For 30 years, forage ryegrass breeding has known that the germplasm may contain a maternally inherited symbiotic Epichloë endophyte. These endophytes produce a suite of secondary alkaloid compounds, dependent upon strain. Many produce ergot and other alkaloids, which are associated with both insect deterrence and livestock health issues. The levels of alkaloids and other endophyte characteristics are influenced by strain, host germplasm, and environmental conditions. Some strains in the right host germplasm can confer an advantage over biotic and abiotic stressors, thus acting as a maternally inherited desirable ‘trait’. Through seed production, these mutualistic endophytes do not transmit into 100% of the crop seed and are less vigorous than the grass seed itself. This causes stability and longevity issues for seed production and storage should the ‘trait’ be desired in the germplasm. This makes understanding the precise nature of the relationship vitally important to the plant breeder. These Epichloë endophytes cannot be ‘bred’ in the conventional sense, as they are asexual. Instead, the breeder may modulate endophyte characteristics through selection of host germplasm, a sort of breeding by proxy. This article explores, from a forage seed company perspective, the issues that endophyte characteristics and breeding them by proxy have on ryegrass breeding, and outlines the methods used to assess the ‘trait’, and the application of these through the breeding, production, and deployment processes. Finally, this article investigates opportunities for enhancing the utilisation of alkaloid-producing endophytes within pastures, with a focus on balancing alkaloid levels to further enhance pest deterrence and improving livestock outcomes.

scholarly journals Effect of Temperature during Drying and Storage of Dried Figs on Growth, Gene Expression and Aflatoxin Production

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 134
Author(s):  
Ana Isabel Galván ◽  
Alicia Rodríguez ◽  
Alberto Martín ◽  
Manuel Joaquín Serradilla ◽  
Ana Martínez-Dorado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Aflatoxin Production ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Mycotoxin Production ◽  
Industrial Processing ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Different Temperatures ◽  
Major Producer ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
And Storage

Dried fig is susceptible to infection by Aspergillus flavus, the major producer of the carcinogenic mycotoxins. This fruit may be contaminated by the fungus throughout the entire chain production, especially during natural sun-drying, post-harvest, industrial processing, storage, and fruit retailing. Correct management of such critical stages is necessary to prevent mould growth and mycotoxin accumulation, with temperature being one of the main factors associated with these problems. The effect of different temperatures (5, 16, 25, 30, and 37 °C) related to dried-fig processing on growth, one of the regulatory genes of aflatoxin pathway (aflR) and mycotoxin production by A. flavus, was assessed. Firstly, growth and aflatoxin production of 11 A. flavus strains were checked before selecting two strains (M30 and M144) for in-depth studies. Findings showed that there were enormous differences in aflatoxin amounts and related-gene expression between the two selected strains. Based on the results, mild temperatures, and changes in temperature during drying and storage of dried figs should be avoided. Drying should be conducted at temperatures >30 °C and close to 37 °C, while industry processing, storage, and retailing of dried figs are advisable to perform at refrigeration temperatures (<10 °C) to avoid mycotoxin production.

scholarly journals Microbial Biocontrol as an Alternative to Synthetic Fungicides: Boundaries between Pre- and Postharvest Applications on Vegetables and Fruits

Fermentation ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 60
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Michele Sellitto ◽  
Severino Zara ◽  
Fabio Fracchetti ◽  
Vittorio Capozzi ◽  
Tiziana Nardi
Keyword(s):  
Crop Production ◽  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Control Plant ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Plant Diseases ◽  
Postharvest Quality ◽  
Crucial Point ◽  
Production Chain ◽  
Vegetables And Fruits ◽  
And Storage

From a ‘farm to fork’ perspective, there are several phases in the production chain of fruits and vegetables in which undesired microbial contaminations can attack foodstuff. In managing these diseases, harvest is a crucial point for shifting the intervention criteria. While in preharvest, pest management consists of tailored agricultural practices, in postharvest, the contaminations are treated using specific (bio)technological approaches (physical, chemical, biological). Some issues connect the ‘pre’ and ‘post’, aligning some problems and possible solution. The colonisation of undesired microorganisms in preharvest can affect the postharvest quality, influencing crop production, yield and storage. Postharvest practices can ‘amplify’ the contamination, favouring microbial spread and provoking injures of the product, which can sustain microbial growth. In this context, microbial biocontrol is a biological strategy receiving increasing interest as sustainable innovation. Microbial-based biotools can find application both to control plant diseases and to reduce contaminations on the product, and therefore, can be considered biocontrol solutions in preharvest or in postharvest. Numerous microbial antagonists (fungi, yeasts and bacteria) can be used in the field and during storage, as reported by laboratory and industrial-scale studies. This review aims to examine the main microbial-based tools potentially representing sustainable bioprotective biotechnologies, focusing on the biotools that overtake the boundaries between pre- and postharvest applications protecting quality against microbial decay.

scholarly journals Spatiotemporal Variation of the Burned Area and Its Relationship with Climatic Factors in Central Kazakhstan

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 313
Author(s):  
Yongfang Xu ◽  
Zhaohui Lin ◽  
Chenglai Wu
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Central Asia ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Spatiotemporal Variation ◽  
Lower Atmosphere ◽  
Burned Area ◽  
Circulation Index ◽  
Precipitation Anomalies ◽  
The Relationship

Central Asia is prone to wildfires, but the relationship between wildfires and climatic factors in this area is still not clear. In this study, the spatiotemporal variation in wildfire activities across Central Asia during 1997–2016 in terms of the burned area (BA) was investigated with Global Fire Emission Database version 4s (GFED4s). The relationship between BA and climatic factors in the region was also analyzed. The results reveal that more than 90% of the BA across Central Asia is located in Kazakhstan. The peak BA occurs from June to September, and remarkable interannual variation in wildfire activities occurs in western central Kazakhstan (WCKZ). At the interannual scale, the BA is negatively correlated with precipitation (correlation coefficient r = −0.66), soil moisture (r = −0.68), and relative humidity (r = −0.65), while it is positively correlated with the frequency of hot days (r = 0.37) during the burning season (from June to September). Composite analysis suggests that the years in which the BA is higher are generally associated with positive geopotential height anomalies at 500 hPa over the WCKZ region, which lead to the strengthening of the downdraft at 500 hPa and the weakening of westerlies at 850 hPa over the region. The weakened westerlies suppress the transport of water vapor from the Atlantic Ocean to the WCKZ region, resulting in decreased precipitation, soil moisture, and relative humidity in the lower atmosphere over the WCKZ region; these conditions promote an increase in BA throughout the region. Moreover, the westerly circulation index is positively correlated (r = 0.53) with precipitation anomalies and negatively correlated (r = −0.37) with BA anomalies in the WCKZ region during the burning season, which further underscores that wildfires associated with atmospheric circulation systems are becoming an increasingly important component of the relationship between climate and wildfire.

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