Distribution of fungi and their toxic metabolites in melon and sesame seeds marketed in two major producing states in Nigeria.

ABSTRACT: In this study, melon (n = 60) and sesame (n = 60) seeds purchased from markets within Benue and Nasarawa states, respectively, in Nigeria, during two seasons (dry and wet), were analysed for fungal and mycotoxin contamination in order to determine the safety of these foods for human consumption. Molecular analysis revealed the following seven fungal taxonomic groups in the foods: Aspergillus section Candidi, Aspergillus section Flavi, Aspergillus section Nigri, Cladosporium, Fusarium fujikuroi species group, Penicillium, and Pleosporales/Didymellaceae. A total of 78 microbial metabolites, including several mycotoxins, occurred in the foods. The most frequent mycotoxins in melon and sesame were aflatoxin B₁ (occurrence: 76%) and alternariol monomethyl ether (occurrence: 59%), res

SUBMITTER: Esan AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7536151 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature