Aflatoxigenic Potential for Aspergilli on sucrose substrates.

Sucrose concentrations of 3, 10, 20, and 30% in Czapek Dox broth served as the carbon source for growth, aflatoxin production, and sporulation for Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 and A. flavus NRRL 3557, 5862, and 5013. All cultures produced mycelial growth and sporulated in all sucrose concentrations during the 12-day growth period. The area of mycelial mat coverage per hour increased directly with increased sugar concentrations. The 20 and 30% sucrose concentrations inhibited mycelial growth for 5862. The 30% sucrose cultures of 3557 and 5862 failed to produce detectable levels of aflatoxins. All other isolates produced B1 and G1 in an approximately 4:1 ratio in all sucrose concentrations. Only 2999 was a substantial producer of aflatoxin in all 4 sucrose cultures, ranging from 72 to 96 micrograms/mL medium. A. flavus 5013 produced the most toxin, 144 and 126 micrograms/mL medium in the 10 and 20% sucrose cultures, respectively. The 10 and 20% sucrose cultures were most conducive to aflatoxin production. Since these sucrose levels correspond closely to the levels in many food and drink products, especially home-made products, care and attention should be taken to keep them free of aflatoxigenic spores. Extensive mycelial growth and sporulation, even in aflatoxigenic strains, do not necessarily result in comparably high aflatoxin levels. Routine extraction and quantitation procedures for aflatoxin were applicable and provided satisfactory results.