Toxigenic species Aspergillus parasiticus originating from Maize Kernels grown in Serbia
Authors
Nikolić, MilicaSavić, Iva
Nikolić, Ana
Jauković, Marko
Kandić, Vesna
Stevanović, Milan
Stanković, Slavica
Article (Published version)
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Show full item recordAbstract
In Serbia, aspergillus ear rot caused by the disease pathogen Aspergillus parasiticus
(A. parasiticus) was first detected in 2012 under both field and storage conditions. Global climate
shifts, primarily warming, favour the contamination of maize with aflatoxins in temperate climates,
including Serbia. A five-year study (2012–2016) comprising of 46 A. parasiticus strains isolated from
maize kernels was performed to observe the morphological, molecular, pathogenic, and toxigenic
traits of this pathogen. The HPLC method was applied to evaluate mycotoxin concentrations in this
causal agent. The A. parasiticus isolates synthesised mainly aflatoxin AFB1 (84.78%). The percentage
of isolates synthesising aflatoxin AFG1 (15.22%) was considerably lower. Furthermore, the concen-
tration of AFG1 was higher than that of AFB1 in eight isolates. The polyphase approach, used to
characterise isolates, showed that they were A. parasiticus species. This identification was verified by
the multi...plex RLFP-PCR detection method with the use of restriction enzymes. These results form an
excellent baseline for further studies with the aim of application in the production, processing, and
storage of cereal grains and seeds, and in technological processes to ensure the safe production of
food and feed.
Keywords:
Aspergillus parasiticus / aflatoxins / maizeSource:
Toxins, 2021, 13, 847-Publisher:
- Basel : Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Funding / projects:
- Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation of the Republic of Serbia, institutional funding - 200040 (Maize Research Institute 'Zemun Polje', Belgrade-Zemun) (RS-MESTD-inst-2020-200040)