[Propagation of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins in various grains]

Abstract

The frequency of occurrence and toxigenicity of various strains of Aspergillus flavus (663 stairs) and of Fusarium spp. (459 strains) isolated from grain of various crops from four grain-producing areas were studied. The analysis of mycotoxins in 1038 grain samples (wheat, rye, rice and corn) and in 58 samples of sun flower seeds collected from commercial batches showed that aflatoxins B1 and G1, deoxynivalenol, and zearalenone are the basic microbial contaminants of grain, while toxin T-2 and diacetoxyscirpenol were found much more rarely. Ochratoxin A, penicillic and kojic acids were found only in several samples. The occurrence of the mycotoxins and contamination levels depended on grain-producing areas. The risk of mycotoxins invasion in grains was greater in southern humid regions of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.