International Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary Research and Studies
Volume 4, Issue 5, 2024
Molecular Characterization of Fungal Diversity and Aflatoxin Profile in Rice and Maize Grains from Owerri, Imo State
Author(s): Obiukwu CE, Ohabughiro NB, Maduwuba MC
Abstract:
The molecular characterization of fungal diversity and aflatoxin profile in rice and maize from Owerri, Imo State was carried out. 200 samples of foreign rice, local rice and white maize and yellow maize were collected from 2 different markets in Owerri. The grain samples were collected and subjected to cultural and morphological characterization to identify fungal isolates. 18srRNA was also done to determine the molecular characterization to identify fungal isolates. The Liquid Chromatography tandem Mass Spectrometry was used to determine the both the qualitative and quantitative occurrence of aflatoxin present in rice and maize. Aflatoxigenic moulds identified were Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus tamarii, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Penicillium chrysogenum. Their percentage occurrence were Aspergillus flavus (27%) followed by Aspergillus niger (23%), Aspergillus tamarii (20%), Rhizopus stolonifer (16%), while the least was Penicillium chrysogenum (14%). The Aflatoxins detected were Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1, Aflatoxin G2. The largest concentration of aflatoxins detected from rice and maize grains were Aflatoxin G1 (164 µg/kg), followed by Aflatoxin B1 (130 µg/kg), then Aflatoxin G2 (109 µg/kg), and the least being Aflatoxin B2 (98 µg/kg). White maize (171 µg/kg) had higher concentrations of aflatoxins more than yellow maize (152 µg/kg). Local Rice (93 µg/kg) had more concentration of aflatoxins more than foreign rice (85 µg/kg). The grain samples were mainly contaminated with Aspergillus species. There is need for proper care during harvest and storage of grains.
Keywords: Aflatoxins, Aspergillus spp, Liquid Chromatograph Tandem Mass Spectrometry, Rice and Maize
Pages: 668-672
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