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Sweany RR, Mack BM, Gebru ST, Mammel MK, Cary JW, Moore GG, Lebar MD, Carter-Wientjes CH, Gilbert MK. Divergent Aspergillus flavus corn population is composed of prolific conidium producers: Implications for saprophytic disease cycle. Mycologia 2024; 116:536-557. [PMID: 38727560 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2024.2343645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The ascomycete fungus Aspergillus flavus infects and contaminates corn, peanuts, cottonseed, and tree nuts with toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins. Subdivision between soil and host plant populations suggests that certain A. flavus strains are specialized to infect peanut, cotton, and corn despite having a broad host range. In this study, the ability of strains isolated from corn and/or soil in 11 Louisiana fields to produce conidia (field inoculum and male gamete) and sclerotia (resting bodies and female gamete) was assessed and compared with genotypic single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences between whole genomes. Corn strains produced upward of 47× more conidia than strains restricted to soil. Conversely, corn strains produced as much as 3000× fewer sclerotia than soil strains. Aspergillus flavus strains, typified by sclerotium diameter (small S-strains, <400 μm; large L-strains, >400 μm), belonged to separate clades. Several strains produced a mixture (M) of S and L sclerotia, and an intermediate number of conidia and sclerotia, compared with typical S-strains (minimal conidia, copious sclerotia) and L-strains (copious conidia, minimal sclerotia). They also belonged to a unique phylogenetic mixed (M) clade. Migration from soil to corn positively correlated with conidium production and negatively correlated with sclerotium production. Genetic differences correlated with differences in conidium and sclerotium production. Opposite skews in female (sclerotia) or male (conidia) gametic production by soil or corn strains, respectively, resulted in reduced effective breeding population sizes when comparing male:female gamete ratio with mating type distribution. Combining both soil and corn populations increased the effective breeding population, presumably due to contribution of male gametes from corn, which fertilize sclerotia on the soil surface. Incongruencies between aflatoxin clusters, strain morphotype designation, and whole genome phylogenies suggest a history of sexual reproduction within this Louisiana population, demonstrating the importance of conidium production, as infectious propagules and as fertilizers of the A. flavus soil population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Sweany
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Brian M Mack
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Solomon T Gebru
- Division of Virulence Assessment, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, 20708
| | - Mark K Mammel
- Division of Molecular Biology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, Maryland, 20708
| | - Jeffrey W Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Geromy G Moore
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Matthew D Lebar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Carol H Carter-Wientjes
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
| | - Matthew K Gilbert
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, Southern Regional Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70124
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Jesmin R, Cary JW, Lebar MD, Majumdar R, Gummadidala PM, Dias T, Chandler S, Basu P, Decho AW, Keller NP, Chanda A. Vibrio gazogenes-dependent disruption of aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus flavus: the connection with endosomal uptake and hyphal morphogenesis. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1208961. [PMID: 37744918 PMCID: PMC10516221 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1208961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins, a family of fungal secondary metabolites, are toxic and carcinogenic compounds that pose an enormous threat to global food safety and agricultural sustainability. Specifically agricultural products in African, Southeast Asian and hot and humid regions of American countries suffer most damage from aflatoxin producing molds due to the ideal climate conditions promoting their growth. Our recent studies suggest that Vibrio gazogenes (Vg), an estuarine bacterium non-pathogenic to plants and humans, can significantly inhibit aflatoxin biosynthesis in the producers. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying Vg-dependent aflatoxin inhibition using the prominent aflatoxin producer, Aspergillus flavus. We show that aflatoxin inhibition upon Vg treatment was associated with fungal uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, a red pigment, which was consistently visible inside fungal hyphae during treatment. The association of prodigiosin with aflatoxin inhibition was further evident as Serratia marcescens, another prodigiosin producer, significantly inhibited aflatoxin, while non-producers like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio harveyi, and Vibrio fischeri did not. Also, pure prodigiosin significantly inhibited aflatoxin biosynthesis. Endocytosis inhibitors, filipin and natamycin, reduced the Vg-prodigiosin uptake by the fungus leading to a significant increase in aflatoxin production, suggesting that uptake is endocytosis-dependent. The Vg treatment also reduced hyphal fusion (>98% inhibition) and branching, which are both endosome-dependent processes. Our results, therefore, collectively support our theory that Vg-associated aflatoxin inhibition is mediated by an endocytosis-dependent uptake of Vg-prodigiosin, which possibly leads to a disruption of normal endosomal functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey W. Cary
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, USDA/ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew D. Lebar
- Food and Feed Safety Research Unit, USDA/ARS, Southern Regional Research Center, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Rajtilak Majumdar
- Northwest Irrigation and Soils Research, United States Department of Agriculture, Kimberly, ID, United States
| | - Phani M. Gummadidala
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapell Hill, NC, United States
| | - Travis Dias
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, United States
| | - Savannah Chandler
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Paramita Basu
- New York College of Podiatric Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alan W. Decho
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Nancy P. Keller
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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Nsabiyumva G, Mutegi CK, Wagacha JM, Mohamed AB, Njeru NK, Ndayihanzamaso P, Niyuhire MC, Atehnkeng J, Njukwe E, Callicott KA, Cotty PJ, Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin contamination of maize and groundnut in Burundi: Distribution of contamination, identification of causal agents and potential biocontrol genotypes of Aspergillus flavus. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1106543. [PMID: 37065127 PMCID: PMC10093718 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1106543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of the staples maize and groundnut is a concern for health and economic impacts across sub-Saharan Africa. The current study (i) determined aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut collected at harvest in Burundi, (ii) characterized populations of Aspergillus section Flavi associated with the two crops, and (iii) assessed aflatoxin-producing potentials among the recovered fungi. A total of 120 groundnut and 380 maize samples were collected at harvest from eight and 16 provinces, respectively. Most of the groundnut (93%) and maize (87%) contained aflatoxin below the European Union threshold, 4 μg/kg. Morphological characterization of the recovered Aspergillus section Flavi fungi revealed that the L-morphotype of A. flavus was the predominant species. Aflatoxin production potentials of the L-morphotype isolates were evaluated in maize fermentations. Some isolates produced over 137,000 μg/kg aflatoxin B1. Thus, despite the relatively low aflatoxin levels at harvest, the association of both crops with highly toxigenic fungi poses significant risk of post-harvest aflatoxin contamination and suggests measures to mitigate aflatoxin contamination in Burundi should be developed. Over 55% of the L-morphotype A. flavus did not produce aflatoxins. These atoxigenic L-morphotype fungi were characterized using molecular markers. Several atoxigenic genotypes were detected across the country and could be used as biocontrol agents. The results from the current study hold promise for developing aflatoxin management strategies centered on biocontrol for use in Burundi to reduce aflatoxin contamination throughout the value chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gedeon Nsabiyumva
- Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Charity K. Mutegi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - John M. Wagacha
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Asha B. Mohamed
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Nancy K. Njeru
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Katumani, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth A. Callicott
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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4
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Detoxification of Aflatoxins in Fermented Cereal Gruel (Ogi) by Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts with Differences in Amino Acid Profiles. Toxins (Basel) 2023; 15:toxins15030210. [PMID: 36977101 PMCID: PMC10053840 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15030210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxigenic members of Aspergillus flavus contaminate cereal grains, resulting in contamination by aflatoxin, a food safety hazard that causes hepatocellular carcinoma. This study identified probiotic strains as aflatoxin detoxifiers and investigated the changes to the grain amino acid concentrations during fermentation with probiotics in the presence of either A. flavus La 3228 (an aflatoxigenic strain) or A. flavus La 3279 (an atoxigenic strain). Generally, higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of amino acids were detected in the presence of toxigenic A. flavus La 3228 compared to the atoxigenic A. flavus La 3279. Compared to the control, 13/17 amino acids had elevated (p < 0.05) concentrations in the presence of the toxigenic A. flavus compared to the control, whereas in systems with the atoxigenic A. flavus 13/17 amino acids had similar (p > 0.05) concentrations to the control. There were interspecies and intraspecies differences in specific amino acid elevations or reductions among selected LAB and yeasts, respectively. Aflatoxins B1 and B2 were detoxified by Limosilactobacillus fermentum W310 (86% and 75%, respectively), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum M26 (62% and 63%, respectively), Candida tropicalis MY115 (60% and 77%, respectively), and Candida tropicalis YY25, (60% and 31%, respectively). Probiotics were useful detoxifiers; however, the extent of decontamination was species- and strain-dependent. Higher deviations in amino acid concentrations in the presence of toxigenic La 3228 compared to atoxigenic La 3279 suggests that the detoxifiers did not act by decreasing the metabolic activity of the toxigenic strain.
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Loi M, Logrieco AF, Pusztahelyi T, Leiter É, Hornok L, Pócsi I. Advanced mycotoxin control and decontamination techniques in view of an increased aflatoxin risk in Europe due to climate change. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1085891. [PMID: 36762096 PMCID: PMC9907446 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1085891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus spp. found in staple food and feed commodities worldwide. Aflatoxins are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic, and pose a serious threat to the health of both humans and animals. The global economy and trade are significantly affected as well. Various models and datasets related to aflatoxins in maize have been developed and used but have not yet been linked. The prevention of crop loss due to aflatoxin contamination is complex and challenging. Hence, the set-up of advanced decontamination is crucial to cope with the challenge of climate change, growing population, unstable political scenarios, and food security problems also in European countries. After harvest, decontamination methods can be applied during transport, storage, or processing, but their application for aflatoxin reduction is still limited. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the effects of environmental factors on aflatoxin production because of climate change and to critically discuss the present-day and novel decontamination techniques to unravel gaps and limitations to propose them as a tool to tackle an increased aflatoxin risk in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Loi
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy,*Correspondence: Martina Loi, ✉
| | - Antonio F. Logrieco
- Institute of Sciences of Food Production, National Research Council, Bari, Italy
| | - Tünde Pusztahelyi
- Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Éva Leiter
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Hornok
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary,ELRN-UD Fungal Stress Biology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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6
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Atehnkeng J, Ojiambo PS, Ortega-Beltran A, Augusto J, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Impact of frequency of application on the long-term efficacy of the biocontrol product Aflasafe in reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1049013. [PMID: 36504767 PMCID: PMC9732863 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1049013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins, produced by several Aspergillus section Flavi species in various crops, are a significant public health risk and a barrier to trade and development. In sub-Saharan Africa, maize and groundnut are particularly vulnerable to aflatoxin contamination. Aflasafe, a registered aflatoxin biocontrol product, utilizes atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native to Nigeria to displace aflatoxin producers and mitigate aflatoxin contamination. Aflasafe was evaluated in farmers' fields for 3 years, under various regimens, to quantify carry-over of the biocontrol active ingredient genotypes. Nine maize fields were each treated either continuously for 3 years, the first two successive years, in year 1 and year 3, or once during the first year. For each treated field, a nearby untreated field was monitored. Aflatoxins were quantified in grain at harvest and after simulated poor storage. Biocontrol efficacy and frequencies of the active ingredient genotypes decreased in the absence of annual treatment. Maize treated consecutively for 2 or 3 years had significantly (p < 0.05) less aflatoxin (92% less) in grain at harvest than untreated maize. Maize grain from treated fields subjected to simulated poor storage had significantly less (p < 0.05) aflatoxin than grain from untreated fields, regardless of application regimen. Active ingredients occurred at higher frequencies in soil and grain from treated fields than from untreated fields. The incidence of active ingredients recovered in soil was significantly correlated (r = 0.898; p < 0.001) with the incidence of active ingredients in grain, which in turn was also significantly correlated (r = -0.621, p = 0.02) with aflatoxin concentration. Although there were carry-over effects, caution should be taken when drawing recommendations about discontinuing biocontrol use. Cost-benefit analyses of single season and carry-over influences are needed to optimize use by communities of smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Atehnkeng
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Peter S. Ojiambo
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria,Center for Integrated Fungal Research, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Alejandro Ortega-Beltran
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Joao Augusto
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China,Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
- Pathology and Mycotoxin, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria,*Correspondence: Ranajit Bandyopadhyay,
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7
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Pre-harvest strategy for reducing aflatoxin accumulation during storage of maize in Argentina. Int J Food Microbiol 2022; 380:109887. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2022.109887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sweany RR, DeRobertis CD, Kaller MD, Damann KE. Intraspecific Growth and Aflatoxin Inhibition Responses to Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus: Evidence of Secreted, Inhibitory Substances in Biocontrol. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2022; 112:2084-2098. [PMID: 35502929 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-01-21-0022-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The fungus Aspergillus flavus infects corn, peanut, and cottonseed, and contaminates seeds with acutely poisonous and carcinogenic aflatoxin. Aflatoxin contamination is a perennial threat in tropical and subtropical climates. Nonaflatoxin-producing isolates (atoxigenic) are deployed in fields to mitigate aflatoxin contamination. The biocontrol competitively excludes toxigenic A. flavus via direct replacement and thigmoregulated (touch) toxin inhibition mechanisms. To understand the broad-spectrum toxin inhibition, toxigenic isolates representing different mating types and sclerotia sizes were individually cocultured with different atoxigenic biocontrol isolates. To determine whether more inhibitory isolates had a competitive advantage to displace or touch inhibit toxigenic isolates, biomass accumulation rates were determined for each isolate. Finally, to determine whether atoxigenic isolates could inhibit aflatoxin production without touch, atoxigenic isolates were grown separated from a single toxigenic isolate by a membrane. Atoxigenic isolates 17, Af36, and K49 had superior abilities to inhibit toxin production. Small (<400 µm) sclerotial, Mat1-1 isolates were not as completely inhibited as others by most atoxigenic isolates. As expected for both direct replacement and touch inhibition, the fastest-growing atoxigenic isolates inhibited aflatoxin production the most, except for atoxigenic Af36 and K49. Aflatoxin production was inhibited when toxigenic and atoxigenic isolates were grown separately, especially by slow-growing atoxigenic Af36 and K49. Additionally, fungus-free filtrates from atoxigenic cultures inhibited aflatoxin production. Toxin production inhibition without direct contact revealed secretion of diffusible chemicals as an additional biocontrol mechanism. Biocontrol formulations should be improved by identifying isolates with broad-spectrum, high-inhibition capabilities and production of secreted inhibitory chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Sweany
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Catherine D DeRobertis
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Michael D Kaller
- School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Kenneth E Damann
- Department of Plant Pathology and Crop Physiology, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
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Application of Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus for the Biological Control of Aflatoxin Contamination in China. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14100681. [PMID: 36287950 PMCID: PMC9611986 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14100681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological control through the application of competitive non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) to the soil during peanut growth is a practical method for controlling aflatoxin contamination. However, appropriate materials need to be found to reduce the cost of biocontrol products. In this study, a two-year experiment was conducted under field conditions in China, using a native non-aflatoxigenic strain to explore its effect. After three months of storage under high humidity, aflatoxin levels remained low in peanuts from fields treated with the biocontrol agent. Three types of substrates were tested with the biocontrol agent: rice grains, peanut meal (peanut meal fertilizer) and peanut coating. Compared to untreated fields, these formulations resulted in reductions of 78.23%, 67.54% and 38.48%, respectively. Furthermore, the ratios of non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus recovered in the soils at harvest in the treated fields were between 41.11% and 96.67% higher than that in untreated fields (25.00%), indicating that the rice inoculum was the most effective, followed by the peanut meal fertilizer and peanut coating. In 2019, the mean aflatoxin content of freshly harvested peanuts in untreated fields was 19.35 µg/kg higher than that in the fields treated with 7.5 kg/ha rice inoculum, which was 1.37 µg/kg. Moreover, no aflatoxin was detected in the two other plots treated with 10 and 15 kg/ha rice inoculum. This study showed that the native Chinese non-aflatoxigenic strain of A. flavus (18PAsp-zy1) had the potential to reduce aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. In addition, peanut meal can be used as an alternative substrate to replace traditional grains, reducing the cost of biocontrol products.
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Acuña-Gutiérrez C, Jiménez VM, Müller J. Occurrence of mycotoxins in pulses. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2022; 21:4002-4017. [PMID: 35876644 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Pulses, dry grains of the Fabaceae family used for food and feed, are particularly important agricultural products with increasing commercial and nutritional relevance. Similar to other plant commodities, pulses can be affected by fungi in the field and during postharvest. Some of these fungi produce mycotoxins, which can seriously threaten human and animal health by causing acute poisoning and chronic effects. In this review, information referring to the analysis and occurrence of these compounds in pulses is summarized. An overview of the aims pursued, and of the methodologies employed for mycotoxin analysis in the different reports is presented, followed by a comprehensive review of relevant articles on mycotoxins in pulses, categorized according to the geographical region, among other considerations. Moreover, special attention was given to the effect of climatic conditions on microorganism infestation and mycotoxin accumulation. Furthermore, the limited literature available was considered to look for possible correlations between the degree of fungal infection and the mycotoxin incidence in pulses. In addition, the potential effect of certain phenolic compounds on reducing fungi infestation and mycotoxin accumulation was reviewed with examples on beans. Emphasis was also given to a specific group of mycotoxins, the phomopsins, that mainly impact lupin. Finally, the negative consequences of mycotoxin accumulation on the physiology and development of contaminated seeds and seedlings are presented, focusing on the few reports available on pulses. Given the agricultural and nutritional potential that pulses offer for human well-being, their promotion should be accompanied by attention to food safety issues, and mycotoxins might be among the most serious threats. Practical Application: According to the manuscript template available in the website, this section is for "JFS original research manuscripts ONLY; optional". Since we are publishing in CRFSFS this requirement will not be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Acuña-Gutiérrez
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Tropics and Subtropics Group (440e), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.,CIGRAS, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Víctor M Jiménez
- CIGRAS, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,IIA, Universidad de Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Joachim Müller
- Institute of Agricultural Engineering Tropics and Subtropics Group (440e), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Mahuku G, Mauro A, Pallangyo B, Nsami E, Boni S, Koyano E, Mponda O, Ortega-Beltran A, Atehnkeng J, Aquiline F, Samuel R, Njela J, Cotty P, Bandyopadhyay R. Atoxigenic-based technology for biocontrol of aflatoxin in maize and groundnuts for Tanzania. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2021.2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Application of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to reduce aflatoxin content in crops is an effective strategy for managing aflatoxin in several regions throughout the world. We report the development and validation of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe TZ01 and Aflasafe TZ02, for use in maize and groundnut in Tanzania, a country frequently affected by aflatoxin contamination. Each product contains four atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native and widely distributed in Tanzania. Efficacy tests on maize and groundnut were conducted over two years and in four regions of Tanzania where aflatoxin contamination is prevalent. Application of both products significantly (P<0.05) reduced aflatoxin levels in maize and groundnut in both years and in all districts. No differences were observed in total Aspergillus section Flavi population in treated and untreated fields, revealing that application of the biocontrol products do not alter overall Aspergillus populations in the environment. The results indicate that both products are effective tools for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. The products were officially registered in 2018. Currently, there are scale-out and-up efforts of aflatoxin biocontrol products in Tanzania through a private sector company that is making the products available to farmers. Protecting maize and groundnut from aflatoxin contamination in Tanzania can result in health, income, and trade benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Mauro
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - B. Pallangyo
- Plant Health Services, Ministry of Agriculture, P.O. Box 2182, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - E. Nsami
- National Biological Control Center, P.O. Box 30031, Kibaha, Tanzania
| | - S.B. Boni
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- World Vegetable Center, Eastern and Southern Africa, P.O. Box 10, Duluti, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - E. Koyano
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - O. Mponda
- Department of Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 9192, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - A. Ortega-Beltran
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - J. Atehnkeng
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - F. Aquiline
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - R. Samuel
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - J. Njela
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Eastern Africa Hub, Plot 25, Mwenge Coca-Cola Road, Mikocheni B, P.O. Box 34441, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - P.J. Cotty
- USDA-ARS, 416 West Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA
| | - R. Bandyopadhyay
- IITA Headquarters, PMB 5320, Oyo Road, Ibadan 200001, Oyo State, Nigeria
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12
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Tengey TK, Kankam F, Ndela DN, Frempong D, Appaw WO. Growth and Toxigenicity of A. flavus on Resistant and Susceptible Peanut Genotypes. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14080536. [PMID: 36006198 PMCID: PMC9414427 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14080536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination poses serious health concerns to consumers of peanut and peanut products. This study aimed at investigating the response of peanuts to Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin accumulation. Isolates of A. flavus were characterised either as aflatoxigenic or non-aflatoxigenic using multiple cultural techniques. The selected isolates were used in an in vitro seed colonisation (IVSC) experiment on two A. flavus-resistant and susceptible peanut genotypes. Disease incidence, severity, and aflatoxin accumulation were measured. Genotypes differed significantly (p < 0.001) in terms of the incidence and severity of aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus infection with the non-aflatoxigenic isolate having significantly higher incidence and severity values. There was no accumulation of aflatoxins in peanut genotypes inoculated with non-aflatoxigenic isolate, indicating its potential as a biocontrol agent. Inoculations with the aflatoxigenic isolate resulted in the accumulation of aflatoxin B1 and G1 in all the peanut genotypes. Aflatoxin B2 was not detected in ICGV−03401 (resistant genotype), while it was present and higher in Manipinta (susceptible genotype) than L027B (resistant genotype). ICGV−03401 can resist fungal infection and aflatoxin accumulation than L027B and Manipinta. Non-aflatoxigenic isolate detected in this study could further be investigated as a biocontrol agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus Kwabla Tengey
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI), Nyankpala NL-1032-0471, Ghana
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +233-249-437-879
| | - Frederick Kankam
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala NL-1029-6240, Ghana
| | - Dominic Ngagmayan Ndela
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala NL-1029-6240, Ghana
| | - Daniel Frempong
- Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala NL-1029-6240, Ghana
| | - William Ofori Appaw
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Science, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi AK-448-1125, Ghana
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Assessment of the Potential of a Native Non-Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Isolate to Reduce Aflatoxin Contamination in Dairy Feed. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14070437. [PMID: 35878175 PMCID: PMC9319854 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus species can produce aflatoxins (AFs), which can severely affect human and animal health. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of reducing AF contamination of a non-aflatoxigenic isolate of A. flavus experimentally coinoculated with different aflatoxigenic strains in whole plant (WP), corn silage (CS), immature grains (IG) and in culture media (CM). An L-morphotype of A. flavus (CS1) was obtained from CS in a dairy farm located in the Mexican Highland Plateau; The CS1 failed to amplify the AFs biosynthetic pathway regulatory gene (aflR). Monosporic CS1 isolates were coinoculated in WP, CS, IG and CM, together with A. flavus strains with known aflatoxigenic capacity (originating from Cuautitlán and Tamaulipas, Mexico), and native isolates from concentrate feed (CF1, CF2 and CF3) and CS (CS2, CS3). AF production was evaluated by HPLC and fungal growth rate was measured on culture media. The positive control strains and those isolated from CF produced a large average amount of AFs (15,622 ± 3952 and 12,189 ± 3311 µg/kg), whereas A. flavus strains obtained from CS produced a lower AF concentration (126 ± 25.9 µg/kg). CS1 was efficient (p < 0.01) in decreasing AF concentrations when coinoculated together with CF, CS and aflatoxigenic positive control strains (71.6−88.7, 51.0−51.1 and 63.1−71.5%) on WP, CS, IG and CM substrates (73.9−78.2, 65.1−73.7, 63.8−68.4 and 57.4−67.6%). The results suggest that the non-aflatoxigenic isolate can be an effective tool to reduce AF contamination in feed and to minimize the presence of its metabolites in raw milk and dairy products intended for human nutrition.
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14
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Improvements within the peanut production chain to minimize aflatoxins contamination: An Ethiopian case study. Food Control 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.108622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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15
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A Polyphasic Approach Reveals Novel Genotypes and Updates the Genetic Structure of the Banana Fusarium Wilt Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020269. [PMID: 35208723 PMCID: PMC8876670 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a soil-borne fungus that causes Fusarium wilt, a destructive plant disease that has resulted in devastating economic losses to banana production worldwide. The fungus has a complex evolutionary history and taxonomic repute and consists of three pathogenic races and at least 24 vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Surveys conducted in Asia, Africa, the Sultanate of Oman and Mauritius encountered isolates of F. oxysporum pathogenic to banana that were not compatible to any of the known Foc VCGs. Genetic relatedness between the undescribed and known Foc VCGs were determined using a multi-gene phylogeny and diversity array technology (DArT) sequencing. The presence of putative effector genes, the secreted in xylem (SIX) genes, were also determined. Fourteen novel Foc VCGs and 17 single-member VCGs were identified. The multi-gene tree was congruent with the DArT-seq phylogeny and divided the novel VCGs into three clades. Clustering analysis of the DArT-seq data supported the separation of Foc isolates into eight distinct clusters, with the suite of SIX genes mostly conserved within these clusters. Results from this study indicates that Foc is more diverse than hitherto assumed.
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17
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Banfalvi G. Janus-Faced Molecules against Plant Pathogenic Fungi. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12323. [PMID: 34830204 PMCID: PMC8623416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The high cytotoxicity of the secondary metabolites of mycotoxins is capable of killing microbes and tumour cells alike, similarly to the genotoxic effect characteristic of Janus-faced molecules. The "double-edged sword" effect of several cytotoxins is known, and these agents have, therefore, been utilized only reluctantly against fungal infections. In this review, consideration was given to (a) toxins that could be used against plant and human pathogens, (b) animal models that measure the effect of antifungal agents, (c) known antifungal agents that have been described and efficiently prevent the growth of fungal cells, and (d) the chemical interactions that are characteristic of antifungal agents. The utilization of apoptotic effects against tumour growth by agents that, at the same time, induce mutations may raise ethical issues. Nevertheless, it deserves consideration despite the mutagenic impact of Janus-faced molecules for those patients who suffer from plant pathogenic fungal infections and are older than their fertility age, in the same way that the short-term cytotoxicity of cancer treatment is favoured over the long-term mutagenic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaspar Banfalvi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, 1 Egyetem Square, 4010 Debrecen, Hungary
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Xu J, Wang P, Zhou Z, Cotty PJ, Kong Q. Selection of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus for Potential Use in Aflatoxin Prevention in Shandong Province, China. J Fungi (Basel) 2021; 7:jof7090773. [PMID: 34575811 PMCID: PMC8472152 DOI: 10.3390/jof7090773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus flavus is a common filamentous fungus widely present in the soil, air, and in crops. This facultative pathogen of both animals and plants produces aflatoxins, a group of mycotoxins with strong teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. Peanuts are highly susceptible to aflatoxin contamination and consumption of contaminated peanuts poses serious threats to the health of humans and domestic animals. Currently, the competitive displacement of aflatoxin-producers from agricultural environments by atoxigenic A. flavus is the most effective method of preventing crop aflatoxin contamination. In the current study, 47 isolates of A. flavus collected from peanut samples originating in Shandong Province were characterized with molecular methods and for aflatoxin-producing ability in laboratory studies. Isolates PA04 and PA10 were found to be atoxigenic members of the L strains morphotype. When co-inoculated with A. flavus NRRL3357 at ratios of 1:10, 1:1, and 10:1 (PA04/PA10: NRRL3357), both atoxigenic strains were able to reduce aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) levels, on both culture media and peanut kernels, by up to 90%. The extent to which atoxigenic strains reduced contamination was correlated with the inoculation ratio. Abilities to compete of PA04 and PA10 were also independently verified against local aflatoxin-producer PA37. The results suggest that the two identified atoxigenic strains are good candidates for active ingredients of biocontrol products for the prevention of aflatoxin contamination of peanuts in Shandong Province.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xu
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Peng Wang
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Zehua Zhou
- Food Technology Department, Wageningen University & Research, 6700 AK Wageningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Peter John Cotty
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
| | - Qing Kong
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China; (J.X.); (P.W.); (P.J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-532-8203-2290; Fax: +86-532-8203-238
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Ortega-Beltran A, Bandyopadhyay R. Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries. GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2021.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Ching'anda C, Atehnkeng J, Bandyopadhyay R, Callicott KA, Orbach MJ, Mehl HL, Cotty PJ. Temperature Influences on Interactions Among Aflatoxigenic Species of Aspergillus Section Flavi During Maize Colonization. FRONTIERS IN FUNGAL BIOLOGY 2021; 2:720276. [PMID: 37744097 PMCID: PMC10512225 DOI: 10.3389/ffunb.2021.720276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Fungal species within Aspergillus section Flavi contaminate food and feed with aflatoxins. These toxic fungal metabolites compromise human and animal health and disrupt trade. Genotypically and phenotypically diverse species co-infect crops, but temporal and spatial variation in frequencies of different lineages suggests that environmental factors such as temperature may influence structure of aflatoxin-producing fungal communities. Furthermore, though most species within Aspergillus section Flavi produce sclerotia, divergent sclerotial morphologies (small or S-type sclerotia vs. large or L-type sclerotia) and differences in types and quantities of aflatoxins produced suggest lineages are adapted to different life strategies. Temperature is a key parameter influencing pre- and post-harvest aflatoxin contamination of crops. We tested the hypothesis that species of aflatoxin-producing fungi that differ in sclerotial morphology will vary in competitive ability and that outcomes of competition and aflatoxin production will be modulated by temperature. Paired competition experiments between highly aflatoxigenic S-type species (A. aflatoxiformans and Lethal Aflatoxicosis Fungus) and L-type species (A. flavus L morphotype and A. parasiticus) were conducted on maize kernels at 25 and 30°C. Proportions of each isolate growing within and sporulating on kernels were measured using quantitative pyrosequencing. At 30°C, S-type fungi were more effective at host colonization compared to L-type isolates. Total aflatoxins and the proportion of B vs. G aflatoxins were greater at 30°C compared to 25°C. Sporulation by L-type isolates was reduced during competition with S-type fungi at 30°C, while relative quantities of conidia produced by S-type species either increased or did not change during competition. Results indicate that both species interactions and temperature can shape population structure of Aspergillus section Flavi, with warmer temperatures favoring growth and dispersal of highly toxigenic species with S-type sclerotia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connel Ching'anda
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Lilongwe, Malawi
| | | | - Kenneth A. Callicott
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Marc J. Orbach
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Hillary L. Mehl
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- School of Plant Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- United States Department of Agriculture - Agriculture Research Service, Tucson, AZ, United States
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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21
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Ortega-Beltran A, Agbetiameh D, Atehnkeng J, Falade TDO, Bandyopadhyay R. Does Use of Atoxigenic Biocontrol Products to Mitigate Aflatoxin in Maize Increase Fumonisin Content in Grains? PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:2196-2201. [PMID: 33210967 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-07-20-1447-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In the tropics and subtropics, maize (Zea mays) and other crops are frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. Treatment of crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus formulated into biocontrol products can significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination. Treated crops contain up to 100% fewer aflatoxins compared with untreated crops. However, there is the notion that protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination may result in increased accumulation of other toxins, particularly fumonisins produced by a few Fusarium species. The objective of this study was to determine if treatment of maize with aflatoxin biocontrol products increased fumonisin concentration and fumonisin-producing fungi in grains. Over 200 maize samples from fields treated with atoxigenic biocontrol products in Nigeria and Ghana were examined for fumonisin content and contrasted with maize from untreated fields. Apart from low aflatoxin levels, most treated maize also harbored fumonisin levels considered safe by the European Union (<1 part per million; ppm). Most untreated maize also harbored equally low fumonisin levels but contained higher aflatoxin levels. In addition, during one year, we detected considerably lower Fusarium spp. densities in treated maize than in untreated maize. Our results do not support the hypothesis that treating crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus used in biocontrol formulations results in higher grain fumonisin levels.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Agro Enterprise Development, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Ho Technical University, Ho, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Bukavu, D. R. Congo
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Bio-competitive exclusion: efficacy of non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus section Flavi-L morphotypes in control of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus in groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). BENI-SUEF UNIVERSITY JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43088-021-00129-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
The biological control mechanism of Aspergillus flavus (aflatoxigenic) strains in groundnuts with atoxigenic strains from the same species through competitive exclusion employed the use of endemic and well-adapted strains within the agro-ecological zones of Zimbabwe. The selected elite non-aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus native to Zimbabwe were evaluated for their capability to reduce aflatoxin contamination in groundnuts under laboratory conditions.
Results
Average reduction percentages in aflatoxin B concentration for the 2019 and 2020 set of experiments ranged from 91.6 ± 3.4 to 95.8 ± 3.1% and 90.29 ± 3.6% to 95.29 ± 4.1%, respectively. Levels of aflatoxin in the co-inoculation research experiments administered were significantly reduced in all the experimental units carried out. Treatment efficiencies of the tested isolates in this study at 4:1 and 2:1 ranged from 1.20 to 2.52 and from 1.02 to 1.21, respectively. The efficacy of the tested non-aflatoxigenic strains against the aflatoxigenic strain native to Zimbabwe (ZMW 0127) indicates that the non-aflatoxigenic isolates of A. flavus. have sound practical applications against vast communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi across all the agro-ecological zones in Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The recognized non-aflatoxigenic isolates will be of an incentive as dynamic active ingredients in biocontrol formulations for the decrease in aflatoxins in groundnuts grown in Zimbabwe.
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Islam M, Callicott KA, Mutegi C, Bandyopadhyay R, Cotty PJ. Distribution of active ingredients of a commercial aflatoxin biocontrol product in naturally occurring fungal communities across Kenya. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 14:1331-1342. [PMID: 33336897 PMCID: PMC8313261 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human populations in Kenya are repeatedly exposed to dangerous aflatoxin levels through consumption of contaminated crops. Biocontrol with atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus is an effective method for preventing aflatoxin in crops. Although four atoxigenic A. flavus isolates (C6E, E63I, R7H and R7K) recovered from maize produced in Kenya are registered as active ingredients for a biocontrol product (Aflasafe KE01) directed at preventing contamination, natural distributions of these four genotypes prior to initiation of commercial use have not been reported. Distributions of the active ingredients of KE01 based on haplotypes at 17 SSR loci are reported. Incidences of the active ingredients and closely related haplotypes were determined in soil collected from 629 maize fields in consecutive long and short rains seasons of 2012. The four KE01 haplotypes were among the top ten most frequent. Haplotype H-1467 of active ingredient R7K was the most frequent and widespread haplotype in both seasons and was detected in the most soils (3.8%). The four KE01 haplotypes each belonged to large clonal groups containing 27-46 unique haplotypes distributed across multiple areas and in 21% of soils. Each of the KE01 haplotypes belonged to a distinct vegetative compatibility group (VCG), and all A. flavus with haplotypes matching a KE01 active ingredient belonged to the same VCG as the matching active ingredient as did all A. flavus haplotypes differing at only one SSR locus. Persistence of the KE01 active ingredients in Kenyan agroecosystems is demonstrated by detection of identical SSR haplotypes six years after initial isolation. The data provide baselines for assessing long-term influences of biocontrol applications in highly vulnerable production areas of Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md‐Sajedul Islam
- School of Plant SciencesUSDA‐ARSThe University of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
| | | | - Charity Mutegi
- International Institute of Tropical AgricultureNairobiKenya
| | | | - Peter J. Cotty
- School of Plant SciencesUSDA‐ARSThe University of ArizonaTucsonAZ85721USA
- College of Food Science and EngineeringOcean University of ChinaQingdaoShandong266003China
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Pickova D, Ostry V, Toman J, Malir F. Aflatoxins: History, Significant Milestones, Recent Data on Their Toxicity and Ways to Mitigation. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:399. [PMID: 34205163 PMCID: PMC8227755 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13060399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early 1960s the discovery of aflatoxins began when a total of 100,000 turkey poults died by hitherto unknown turkey "X" disease in England. The disease was associated with Brazilian groundnut meal affected by Aspergillus flavus. The toxin was named Aspergillus flavus toxin-aflatoxin. From the point of view of agriculture, aflatoxins show the utmost importance. Until now, a total of 20 aflatoxins have been described, with B1, B2, G1, and G2 aflatoxins being the most significant. Contamination by aflatoxins is a global health problem. Aflatoxins pose acutely toxic, teratogenic, immunosuppressive, carcinogenic, and teratogenic effects. Besides food insecurity and human health, aflatoxins affect humanity at different levels, such as social, economical, and political. Great emphasis is placed on aflatoxin mitigation using biocontrol methods. Thus, this review is focused on aflatoxins in terms of historical development, the principal milestones of aflatoxin research, and recent data on their toxicity and different ways of mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darina Pickova
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Vladimir Ostry
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
- Center for Health, Nutrition and Food in Brno, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Palackeho 3a, CZ-61242 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Toman
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Frantisek Malir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Rokitanskeho 62, CZ-50003 Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic; (V.O.); (J.T.); (F.M.)
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Garcia-Lopez MT, Luo Y, Ortega-Beltran A, Jaime R, Moral J, Michailides TJ. Quantification of the Aflatoxin Biocontrol Strain Aspergillus flavus AF36 in Soil and in Nuts and Leaves of Pistachio by Real-Time PCR. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:1657-1665. [PMID: 33084543 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-05-20-1097-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The species Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus are commonly found in the soils of nut-growing areas in California. Several isolates can produce aflatoxins that occasionally contaminate nut kernels, conditioning their sale. Strain AF36 of A. flavus, which does not produce aflatoxins, is registered as a biocontrol agent for use in almond, pistachio, and fig crops in California. After application in orchards, AF36 displaces aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus spp. and thus reduces aflatoxin contamination. Vegetative compatibility assays (VCAs) have traditionally been used to track AF36 in soils and crops where it has been applied. However, VCAs are labor intensive and time consuming. Here, we developed a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) protocol to quantify proportions of AF36 accurately and efficiently in different substrates. Specific primers to target AF36 and toxigenic strains of A. flavus and A. parasiticus were designed based on the sequence of aflC, a gene essential for aflatoxin biosynthesis. Standard curves were generated to calculate proportions of AF36 based on threshold cycle values. Verification assays using pure DNA and conidial suspension mixtures demonstrated a significant relationship by regression analysis between known and qPCR-measured AF36 proportions in DNA (R2 = 0.974; P < 0.001) and conidia mixtures (R2 = 0.950; P < 0.001). Tests conducted by qPCR in pistachio leaves, nuts, and soil samples demonstrated the usefulness of the qPCR method to precisely quantify proportions of AF36 in diverse substrates, ensuring important time and cost savings. The outputs of this study will serve to design better aflatoxin management strategies for pistachio and other crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Teresa Garcia-Lopez
- Department of Agronomy (Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | - Yong Luo
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | | | - Ramon Jaime
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
| | - Juan Moral
- Department of Agronomy (Maria de Maeztu Excellence Unit), University of Córdoba, Campus de Rabanales, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Themis J Michailides
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Parlier, CA 93648, U.S.A
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Senghor AL, Ortega-Beltran A, Atehnkeng J, Jarju P, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflasafe SN01 is the First Biocontrol Product Approved for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Two Nations, Senegal and The Gambia. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:1461-1473. [PMID: 33332161 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-09-20-1899-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination is caused by Aspergillus flavus and closely related fungi. In The Gambia, aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize, two staple and economically important crops, is common. Groundnut and maize consumers are chronically exposed to aflatoxins, sometimes at alarming levels, and this has severe consequences on their health and productivity. Aflatoxin contamination also impedes commercialization in local and international premium markets. In neighboring Senegal, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing four atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus, Aflasafe SN01, has been registered and is approved for commercial use in groundnut and maize. We detected that the four genotypes composing Aflasafe SN01 are also native to The Gambia. The biocontrol product was tested during two years in 129 maize and groundnut fields and compared with corresponding untreated fields cropped by smallholder farmers in The Gambia. Treated crops contained up to 100% less aflatoxins than untreated crops. A large portion of the crops could have been commercialized in premium markets due to the low aflatoxin content (in many cases no detectable aflatoxins), both at harvest and after storage. Substantial aflatoxin reductions were also achieved when commercially produced groundnut received treatment. Here we report for the first time the use and effectiveness of an aflatoxin biocontrol product registered for use in two nations. With the current scale-out and -up efforts of Aflasafe SN01, a large number of farmers, consumers, and traders in The Gambia and Senegal will obtain health, income, and trade benefits.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Senghor
- La Direction de Protection Végétaux, BP20054 Dakar, Senegal
| | - A Ortega-Beltran
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - J Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - P Jarju
- National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation, Denton Bridge, Banjul, The Gambia
| | - P J Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ 85719, U.S.A
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - R Bandyopadhyay
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
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Ortega-Beltran A, Kaptoge L, Senghor AL, Aikore MOS, Jarju P, Momanyi H, Konlambigue M, Falade TDO, Bandyopadhyay R. Can it be all more simple? Manufacturing aflatoxin biocontrol products using dry spores of atoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus as active ingredients. Microb Biotechnol 2021; 15:901-914. [PMID: 33755307 PMCID: PMC8913866 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.13802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxin contamination of staple crops, commonly occurring in warm areas, negatively impacts human and animal health, and hampers trade and economic development. The fungus Aspergillus flavus is the major aflatoxin producer. However, not all A. flavus genotypes produce aflatoxins. Effective aflatoxin control is achieved using biocontrol products containing spores of atoxigenic A. flavus. In Africa, various biocontrol products under the tradename Aflasafe are available. Private and public sector licensees manufacture Aflasafe using spores freshly produced in laboratories adjacent to their factories. BAMTAARE, the licensee in Senegal, had difficulties to obtain laboratory equipment during its first year of production. To overcome this, a process was developed in Ibadan, Nigeria, for producing high‐quality dry spores. Viability and stability of the dry spores were tested and conformed to set standards. In 2019, BAMTAARE manufactured Aflasafe SN01 using dry spores produced in Ibadan and sent via courier and 19 000 ha of groundnut and maize in Senegal and The Gambia were treated. Biocontrol manufactured with dry spores was as effective as biocontrol manufactured with freshly produced spores. Treated crops contained safe and significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxin than untreated crops. The dry spore innovation will make biocontrol manufacturing cost‐efficient in several African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence Kaptoge
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Patrick Jarju
- National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation, Banjul, The Gambia
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Logrieco A, Battilani P, Leggieri MC, Jiang Y, Haesaert G, Lanubile A, Mahuku G, Mesterházy A, Ortega-Beltran A, Pasti M, Smeu I, Torres A, Xu J, Munkvold G. Perspectives on Global Mycotoxin Issues and Management From the MycoKey Maize Working Group. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:525-537. [PMID: 32915118 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-06-20-1322-fe] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
During the last decade, there have been many advances in research and technology that have greatly contributed to expanded capabilities and knowledge in detection and measurement, characterization, biosynthesis, and management of mycotoxins in maize. MycoKey, an EU-funded Horizon 2020 project, was established to advance knowledge and technology transfer around the globe to address mycotoxin impacts in key food and feed chains. MycoKey included several working groups comprising international experts in different fields of mycotoxicology. The MycoKey Maize Working Group recently convened to gather information and strategize for the development and implementation of solutions to the maize mycotoxin problem in light of current and emerging technologies. This feature summarizes the Maize WG discussion and recommendations for addressing mycotoxin problems in maize. Discussions focused on aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, fumonisins, and zearalenone, which are the most widespread and persistently important mycotoxins in maize. Although regional differences were recognized, there was consensus about many of the priorities for research and effective management strategies. For preharvest management, genetic resistance and selecting adapted maize genotypes, along with insect management, were among the most fruitful strategies identified across the mycotoxin groups. For postharvest management, the most important practices included timely harvest, rapid grain drying, grain cleaning, and carefully managed storage conditions. Remediation practices such as optical sorting, density separation, milling, and chemical detoxification were also suggested. Future research and communication priorities included advanced breeding technologies, development of risk assessment tools, and the development and dissemination of regionally relevant management guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Logrieco
- National Council of Research, Institute of Sciences of Food Production, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Marco Camardo Leggieri
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Yu Jiang
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Geert Haesaert
- Faculty Bioscience Engineering, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessandra Lanubile
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Campus di Piacenza, Piacenza, Italy
| | - George Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Marco Pasti
- Italian Corn Growers' Association, Eraclea, Italy
| | - Irina Smeu
- National Research & Development Institute for Food Bioresources-IBA Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adriana Torres
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, IMICO-Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Rio Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Jing Xu
- Institute of Plant Protection, Liaoning Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenyang, China
| | - Gary Munkvold
- Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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Kaale L, Kimanya M, Macha I, Mlalila N. Aflatoxin contamination and recommendations to improve its control: a review. WORLD MYCOTOXIN J 2021. [DOI: 10.3920/wmj2020.2599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aflatoxin producing fungi cause contamination of food and feed resulting in health hazards and economic loss. It is imperative to develop workable control measures throughout the food chain to prevent and reduce aflatoxin contamination. This is a critical review of contemporary published papers in the field. It is a review of reports from the original aflatoxin researches conducted on foods, from 2015-2020. Most of the reports show high aflatoxin contaminations in food at levels that exceed a regulatory limit of 20 μg/kg and 4 μg/kg set for foods for human consumption in the USA and European Union, respectively. The highest aflatoxin concentration (3,760 μg/kg) was observed in maize. Some of the strategies being deployed in aflatoxin control include application of biocontrol agents, specifically of Aflasafe™, development of resistant crop varieties, and application of other good agricultural practices. We recommend the adoption of emerging technologies such as combined methods technology (CMT) or hurdle technology, one health concept (OHC), improved regulations, on-line monitoring of aflatoxins, and creative art intervention (CAI) to prevent or restrict the growth of target aflatoxin causative fungi.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.D. Kaale
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - M.E. Kimanya
- School of Life Sciences and Bioengineering, Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - I.J. Macha
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, P.O. Box 35131, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - N. Mlalila
- University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Department of Food Science and Technology, P.O. Box 35134, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, P.O. Box 2847, Dodoma, Tanzania
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Peles F, Sipos P, Kovács S, Győri Z, Pócsi I, Pusztahelyi T. Biological Control and Mitigation of Aflatoxin Contamination in Commodities. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13020104. [PMID: 33535580 PMCID: PMC7912779 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13020104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins (AFs) are toxic secondary metabolites produced mostly by Aspergillus species. AF contamination entering the feed and food chain has been a crucial long-term issue for veterinarians, medicals, agroindustry experts, and researchers working in this field. Although different (physical, chemical, and biological) technologies have been developed, tested, and employed to mitigate the detrimental effects of mycotoxins, including AFs, universal methods are still not available to reduce AF levels in feed and food in the last decades. Possible biological control by bacteria, yeasts, and fungi, their excretes, the role of the ruminal degradation, pre-harvest biocontrol by competitive exclusion or biofungicides, and post-harvest technologies and practices based on biological agents currently used to alleviate the toxic effects of AFs are collected in this review. Pre-harvest biocontrol technologies can give us the greatest opportunity to reduce AF production on the spot. Together with post-harvest applications of bacteria or fungal cultures, these technologies can help us strictly reduce AF contamination without synthetic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Peles
- Institute of Food Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Péter Sipos
- Institute of Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (P.S.); (Z.G.)
| | - Szilvia Kovács
- Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Zoltán Győri
- Institute of Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (P.S.); (Z.G.)
| | - István Pócsi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Square 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - Tünde Pusztahelyi
- Central Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Products, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and Environmental Management, University of Debrecen, Böszörményi str. 138, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-20-210-9491
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31
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Massomo SM. Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin contamination in the maize value chain and what needs to be done in Tanzania. SCIENTIFIC AFRICAN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sciaf.2020.e00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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Agbetiameh D, Ortega-Beltran A, Awuah RT, Atehnkeng J, Elzein A, Cotty PJ, Bandyopadhyay R. Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana. BIOLOGICAL CONTROL : THEORY AND APPLICATIONS IN PEST MANAGEMENT 2020; 150:104351. [PMID: 33144821 PMCID: PMC7457722 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocontrol.2020.104351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological control is one of the recommended methods for aflatoxin mitigation. Biocontrol products must be developed, and their efficacy demonstrated before widespread use. Efficacy of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02, were evaluated in 800 maize and groundnut farmers' fields during 2015 and 2016 in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana. Both products were developed after an extensive examination of fungi associated with maize and groundnut in Ghana. Each product contains as active ingredient fungi four Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to atoxigenic African Aspergillus Vegetative Compatibility Groups (AAVs) widely distributed across Ghana. An untreated field was maintained for each treated field to determine product efficacy. Proportions of atoxigenic AAVs composing each product were assessed in soils before product application, and soils and grains at harvest. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of toxigenic fungi occurred in both crops during both years, in all five regions. Biocontrol-treated crops consistently had significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxins (range = 76% to 100% less; average = 99% less) than untreated crops. Results indicate that both biocontrol products are highly efficient, cost-effective, environmentally safe tools for aflatoxin mitigation. Most crops from treated fields could have been sold in both local and international food and feed premium markets. Adoption and use of biocontrol products have the potential to improve the health of Ghanaians, and both income and trade opportunities of farmers, aggregators, distributors, and traders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Agbetiameh
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - Richard T. Awuah
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Joseph Atehnkeng
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Abuelgasim Elzein
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan 200001, Nigeria
| | - Peter J. Cotty
- United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- School of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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Dahal P, Dhimal M, Belbase K, Tiwari S, Groopman J, West K, Pollock B, Pyakurel S, Acharya G, Aryal S, Ghimire YN, Neupane M, Poudel R, Van Ashbrouck J, Kunusoth K, De Saeger S, De Boevre M, Gharti-Chhetri G, Gurung TB, Bradford KJ. Improving nutrition and immunity with dry chain and integrated pest management food technologies in LMICs. Lancet Planet Health 2020; 4:e259-e260. [PMID: 32681891 PMCID: PMC7363417 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(20)30143-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peetambar Dahal
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Meghnath Dhimal
- Nepal Health Research Council, Ministry of Health, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | | | - Sundar Tiwari
- Division of Entomology, Agricultural and Forestry University, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - John Groopman
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Keith West
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bradley Pollock
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Subodh Pyakurel
- Planning Commission, Province 1 Government, Biratnagar, Nepal
| | - Ganga Acharya
- Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Government of Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Sunil Aryal
- Division of Entomology, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Yug Nath Ghimire
- Division of Agricultural Economics, Nepal Agricultural Research Council, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Manish Neupane
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Pennsylvania, PA, USA
| | - Rosina Poudel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Leonard J Chabert Medical Center, Houma, LA, USA
| | | | - Keshavulu Kunusoth
- Telangana State Seed and Organic Certification Authority, Government of Telangana, Hyderabad, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Kent J Bradford
- Department of Plant Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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Soni P, Gangurde SS, Ortega-Beltran A, Kumar R, Parmar S, Sudini HK, Lei Y, Ni X, Huai D, Fountain JC, Njoroge S, Mahuku G, Radhakrishnan T, Zhuang W, Guo B, Liao B, Singam P, Pandey MK, Bandyopadhyay R, Varshney RK. Functional Biology and Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions for Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut ( Arachis hypogaea L.) and Maize ( Zea mays L.). Front Microbiol 2020; 11:227. [PMID: 32194520 PMCID: PMC7063101 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites produced by soilborne saprophytic fungus Aspergillus flavus and closely related species that infect several agricultural commodities including groundnut and maize. The consumption of contaminated commodities adversely affects the health of humans and livestock. Aflatoxin contamination also causes significant economic and financial losses to producers. Research efforts and significant progress have been made in the past three decades to understand the genetic behavior, molecular mechanisms, as well as the detailed biology of host-pathogen interactions. A range of omics approaches have facilitated better understanding of the resistance mechanisms and identified pathways involved during host-pathogen interactions. Most of such studies were however undertaken in groundnut and maize. Current efforts are geared toward harnessing knowledge on host-pathogen interactions and crop resistant factors that control aflatoxin contamination. This study provides a summary of the recent progress made in enhancing the understanding of the functional biology and molecular mechanisms associated with host-pathogen interactions during aflatoxin contamination in groundnut and maize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Soni
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sunil S. Gangurde
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rakesh Kumar
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Sejal Parmar
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Hari K. Sudini
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | - Yong Lei
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinzhi Ni
- Crop Genetics and Breeding Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agriculture Research Service, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Dongxin Huai
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jake C. Fountain
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Samuel Njoroge
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - George Mahuku
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Weijian Zhuang
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Baozhu Guo
- Crop Protection and Management Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Tifton, GA, United States
| | - Boshou Liao
- Oil Crops Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Prashant Singam
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manish K. Pandey
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Rajeev K. Varshney
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Hyderabad, India
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Benkerroum N. Aflatoxins: Producing-Molds, Structure, Health Issues and Incidence in Southeast Asian and Sub-Saharan African Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E1215. [PMID: 32070028 PMCID: PMC7068566 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review aims to update the main aspects of aflatoxin production, occurrence and incidence in selected countries, and associated aflatoxicosis outbreaks. Means to reduce aflatoxin incidence in crops were also presented, with an emphasis on the environmentally-friendly technology using atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus. Aflatoxins are unavoidable widespread natural contaminants of foods and feeds with serious impacts on health, agricultural and livestock productivity, and food safety. They are secondary metabolites produced by Aspergillus species distributed on three main sections of the genus (section Flavi, section Ochraceorosei, and section Nidulantes). Poor economic status of a country exacerbates the risk and the extent of crop contamination due to faulty storage conditions that are usually suitable for mold growth and mycotoxin production: temperature of 22 to 29 °C and water activity of 0.90 to 0.99. This situation paralleled the prevalence of high liver cancer and the occasional acute aflatoxicosis episodes that have been associated with these regions. Risk assessment studies revealed that Southeast Asian (SEA) and Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries remain at high risk and that, apart from the regulatory standards revision to be more restrictive, other actions to prevent or decontaminate crops are to be taken for adequate public health protection. Indeed, a review of publications on the incidence of aflatoxins in selected foods and feeds from countries whose crops are classically known for their highest contamination with aflatoxins, reveals that despite the intensive efforts made to reduce such an incidence, there has been no clear tendency, with the possible exception of South Africa, towards sustained improvements. Nonetheless, a global risk assessment of the new situation regarding crop contamination with aflatoxins by international organizations with the required expertise is suggested to appraise where we stand presently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreddine Benkerroum
- Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, MacDonald Campus, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
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Sarrocco S, Mauro A, Battilani P. Use of Competitive Filamentous Fungi as an Alternative Approach for Mycotoxin Risk Reduction in Staple Cereals: State of Art and Future Perspectives. Toxins (Basel) 2019; 11:E701. [PMID: 31810316 PMCID: PMC6950288 DOI: 10.3390/toxins11120701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Among plant fungal diseases, those affecting cereals represent a huge problem in terms of food security and safety. Cereals, such as maize and wheat, are very often targets of mycotoxigenic fungi. The limited availability of chemical plant protection products and physical methods to control mycotoxigenic fungi and to reduce food and feed mycotoxin contamination fosters alternative approaches, such as the use of beneficial fungi as an active ingredient of biological control products. Competitive interactions, including both exploitation and interference competition, between pathogenic and beneficial fungi, are generally recognized as mechanisms to control plant pathogens populations and to manage plant diseases. In the present review, two examples concerning the use of competitive beneficial filamentous fungi for the management of cereal diseases are discussed. The authors retrace the history of the well-established use of non-aflatoxigenic isolates of Aspergillus flavus to prevent aflatoxin contamination in maize and give an overview of the potential use of competitive beneficial filamentous fungi to manage Fusarium Head Blight on wheat and mitigate fusaria toxin contamination. Although important steps have been made towards the development of microorganisms as active ingredients of plant protection products, a reasoned revision of the registration rules is needed to significantly reduce the chemical based plant protection products in agriculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Sarrocco
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Antonio Mauro
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 34441 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania;
| | - Paola Battilani
- Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 29122 Piacenza, Italy
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Sserumaga JP, Ortega-Beltran A, Wagacha JM, Mutegi CK, Bandyopadhyay R. Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 313:108376. [PMID: 31731141 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Maize is an important staple crop for the majority of the population in Uganda. However, in tropical and subtropical climates, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, a group of cancer-causing and immuno-suppressive mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. In Uganda, there is limited knowledge about the causal agents of aflatoxin contamination. The current study determined both the aflatoxin levels in pre-harvest maize across Uganda and the structures of communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with the maize. A total of 256 pre-harvest maize samples were collected from 23 major maize-growing districts in eight agro-ecological zones (AEZ). Maize aflatoxin content ranged from 0 to 3760 ng/g although only around 5% for Ugandan thresholds. For EU it is about 16% of the samples contained aflatoxin concentrations above tolerance thresholds. A total of 3105 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were recovered and these were dominated by the A. flavus L morphotype (89.4%). Densities of aflatoxin-producing fungi were negatively correlated with elevation. Farming systems and climatic conditions of the AEZ are thought to have influenced communities' structure composition. Fungi from different AEZ varied significantly in aflatoxin-producing abilities and several atoxigenic genotypes were identified. The extremely high aflatoxin concentrations detected in some of the studied regions indicate that management strategies should be urgently designed for use at the pre-harvest stage. Atoxigenic genotypes detected across Uganda could serve as aflatoxin biocontrol agents to reduce crop contamination from fields conditions and throughout the maize value chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius P Sserumaga
- National Agricultural Research Organisation, National Crops Resources Research Institute, Namulonge, P. O. Box 7084, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - John M Wagacha
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, P. O. Box 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Charity K Mutegi
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nairobi, Kenya.
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