Toxigenic Aspergillus and Penicillium isolates from weevil-damaged chestnuts

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Toxicology
• Food Science

Background:

• Weevil-damaged Chinese chestnut kernels are potential sources of fungal contamination.
• Certain fungal species produce mycotoxins that can be harmful to animal health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and assess the toxicity of fungal genera Aspergillus and Penicillium isolated from damaged Chinese chestnuts.
• To determine specific fungal species responsible for observed toxic effects in poultry.

Main Methods:

• Fungal isolation from weevil-damaged Chinese chestnut kernels using malt-salt agar.
• Cultivation of fungal isolates on artificial medium for 4 weeks at 21.1°C.
• Preparation of chloroform extracts from fungal isolates.
• Toxicity testing of extracts on day-old cockerels.
• Identification of toxic fungal isolates to the species level.

Main Results:

• Aspergillus (40.7%) and Penicillium (16.8%) were the most prevalent fungal genera.
• Chloroform extracts from 21 Aspergillus and 18 Penicillium isolates were toxic to cockerels.
• Toxic Aspergillus isolates included A. wentii and A. flavus; toxic Penicillium isolates included P. terrestre, P. steckii, P. citrinum, and P. funiculosum.
• A. wentii caused acute diarrhea; P. terrestre, P. steckii, and P. funiculosum isolates induced muscular tremors.

Conclusions:

• Fungal contamination of Chinese chestnuts by Aspergillus and Penicillium poses a toxicological risk.
• Specific species, such as Aspergillus wentii and Penicillium terrestre, are associated with distinct toxic effects in poultry.
• Further research into mycotoxin profiles and management strategies is warranted.