Mycobiota and toxigenic Aspergillus flavus associated with developing cardamom and pepper

Abstract

Cardamom and pepper were infected by Fusarium moniliforme, F. solani and Aspergillus flavus at different stages of development. The immature fruits were highly susceptible to colonization by Fusarium which resulted in rotting of the berries and capsules at early stages in their development. Subsequently, they served as a good substrate for colonization by species of Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium. Other fungi which occurred in small numbers were Trichoderma, Pestalotia, Rhizopus, Cladosporium as well as some actinomycetes. Aflatoxin production in vitro by A. flavus, isolated at various stages of development, was assessed using a MAb-based ELISA. All Aspergillus flavus isolates tested produced aflatoxin B₁ in amounts ranging from 65-3000 ng ml⁻¹.