Volatile profiles and aflatoxin production by toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus grown on sterile and non-sterile cracked corn

Ann Agric Environ Med. 2012;19(1):91-8.

Abstract

Aspergillus flavus is a saprophytic fungus which can grow on corn and produce aflatoxins which render it unsafe for consumption as food and feed. In this study, aflatoxin and non-aflatoxin producing isolates of A. flavus were grown separately on wet (20% water added), sterile or non-sterile cracked corn. Wet and dry cracked corn controls were included as needed. Secondary metabolic volatiles were identified and aflatoxin concentrations determined over a 12-day period. Volatiles unique to the toxigenic A. flavus isolates were determined by comparison with volatiles produced by the respective corn controls and the non-toxigenic A. flavus isolate. The number and identity of the volatiles produced by these A. flavus isolates varied by isolate, whether sterile or non-sterile corn was the substrate, and the sampling day. Overall, most of the volatiles were produced before day 8 after inoculation. Aflatoxin production was 10-fold lower on the sterile corn, compared to the non-sterile corn. Volatiles unique to the aflatoxin producing isolates were identified on both substrates after comparison with those produced by the non-aflatoxin producing isolate, as well as the corn control samples. Results indicate that several factors (substrate, fungal isolate, culture age) affect volatile and aflatoxin production by A. flavus.

MeSH terms

  • Aflatoxin B1 / biosynthesis*
  • Aspergillus flavus / chemistry*
  • Aspergillus flavus / classification
  • Aspergillus flavus / isolation & purification
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Species Specificity
  • Time Factors
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / analysis*
  • Zea mays / microbiology*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • tenax
  • Aflatoxin B1