The Black Aspergillus Species of Maize and Peanuts and Their Potential for Mycotoxin Production

Toxins

Edwin R. Palencia²  Dorothy M. Hinton¹ 

[1] Toxicology & Mycotoxin Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Russell Research Center, P.O. Box 5677, Athens, GA, USA;Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA

关键词: Aspergillus niger;    Aspergillus section Nigri;    black aspergilli;    fumonisins;    ochratoxins;    mycotoxins;   

DOI  :  10.3390/toxins2040399

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The black spored fungi of the subgenera Circumdata, the section Nigri (=Aspergillus niger group) is reviewed relative to their production of mycotoxins and their effects on plants as pathogens. Molecular methods have revealed more than 18 cryptic species, of which several have been characterized as potential mycotoxin producers. Others are defined as benign relative to their ability to produce mycotoxins. However, these characterizations are based on in vitro culture and toxins production. Several can produce the ochratoxins that are toxic to livestock, poultry, and humans. The black aspergilli produce rots of grapes, maize, and numerous other fruits and grain and they are generally viewed as post-harvest pathogens. Data are review to suggest that black aspergilli, as so many others, are symptomless endophytes. These fungi and their mycotoxins contaminate several major grains, foodstuffs, and products made from them such as wine, and coffee. Evidence is presented that the black aspergilli are producers of other classes of mycotoxins such as the fumonisins, which are known carcinogenic and known prior investigations as being produced by the Fusarium species. Three species are identified in U.S. maize and peanuts as symptomless endophytes, which suggests the potential for concern as pathogens and as food safety hazards.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2010 by the authors; licensee Molecular Diversity Preservation International, Basel, Switzerland