Comparative genomics of aflatoxigenic A. flavus reveals mycotoxin diversity and postharvest adaptation in cashew nuts from coastal Kenya.

ABSTRACT: Cashew is a key economic crop in coastal Kenya, yet its production faces significant challenges due to post-harvest fungal contamination, particularly by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus aculeatus. These fungi are known producers of mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, potent carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds that pose serious food safety and public health risks. Despite growing concerns, the genomic architecture, metabolic potential, and ecological adaptations of these fungi in cashew-growing regions remain poorly understood. This study investigated the genetic diversity, aflatoxin biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), secondary metabolite profiles, and carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) repertoires of aflatoxigenic A. flavus and compared them with non-aflatoxigenic A. aculeatus isolates

SUBMITTER: Katua K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12660953 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature