Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 25, Issue 1 2019; Page No.(122-128)

DETECTION OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH STORED CORN GRAINS

Hawazin A. Abd, Sanaa H. Mohamad and Bari L. Mohammed

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying corn grain fungi in three locations of grain storage in Tikrit, Kirkuk and Baaquba. The accomplished tests of three samples of stored corn grains in these locations showed the isolated fungi species with the types: Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Cladosporium spp., Fusarium spp. Alternaria spp. and Aspergillus spp. Also, two species related to Aspergillus spp. are identified. They are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. They are considered to be the most resistant to storage conditions like drought and temperature changes. These species have ability to produce Aflatoxins. It is shown from the results that ecological factors (temperature, moisture content and ventilation) control contamination of the stored corn grains. It is noticed that Penicillium spp. prefers low temperature for growth. The maximum production rate for its growth is in (8 °C and a moisture content of 12%) whereas it shows low rate of growth in (more than 8 °C and a moisture content less than 12%). The maximum production rate for Fusarium spp. Is in (10 °C and a moisture content of 14%). The optimum degree for the production of Rhizopus spp. And Aspergillus spp. is 8 °C and a moisture content up to 12%. For Mucor spp., Alternaria spp. and Cladosporium spp., the maximum production is in (22 °C and a moisture content of 15%). Aflatoxin production ability of A. niger and A. flavus was tested by using differential media (AFPA) in which the results showed that A. flavus isolates gave positive results for aflatoxin production after 48-72 hrs at (28 °C).

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