NATURAL OCCURRENCE OF ZEARALENONE AND TOXICOGENIC FUNGI IN AMARANTH GRAIN

Zearalenone was detected as the natural contaminant in two samples of Amaranthus cruentus grains (1980-mu-g/kg and 420-mu-g/kg, respectively). Fungi isolated from these samples were screened for mycotoxin production. Two of eight isolates of Fusarium (F. equiseti and F. moniliforme) produced zearalenone. One of four isolates of Aspergillus flavus and all four isolates of A. parasiticus produced aflatoxins. Other species potentially toxicogenic such as Aspergillus versicolor, Penicillium viridicatum, P. puberulum, P. crustosum, P. citrinum, P. expansum and Fusarium solani were also found.