Mycotoxin Accumulation in Dry Rot Potato Tubers from Algeria and Toxigenic Potential of Associated Isolates of Fusarium Genus

Sihem Hadjebar ^1,2, Amine Yekkour ^3,4, Nadjette Djemouai ^1,5

⁰Laboratoire de Biologie Des Systèmes Microbiens, École Normale Supérieure de Kouba, BP 92, Vieux-Kouba, 16308, Algiers, Algeria.

Current Microbiology +

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August 22, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Mycotoxins like T-2 and Beauvericin contaminate Algerian potatoes with dry rot. Fusarium strains from Bouira showed higher contamination and toxin production potential than those from Ain Defla.

Area Of Science

Agricultural Science
Mycology
Food Safety

Background

Dry rot disease in potatoes is a significant agricultural concern.
Mycotoxin contamination in food crops poses risks to human and animal health.
Algeria faces challenges with fungal diseases affecting potato production.

Purpose Of The Study

To investigate the presence and types of mycotoxins in Algerian potatoes with dry rot.
To identify and characterize Fusarium strains associated with potato dry rot.
To assess the mycotoxin-producing potential of isolated Fusarium strains.

Main Methods

LC-MS/MS analysis for simultaneous detection of 14 mycotoxins.
Isolation and culturing of Fusarium strains from symptomatic potato tubers.
Phylogenetic analysis of Fusarium strains using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences.

Main Results

49 out of 232 potato tubers were contaminated with mycotoxins, including T-2, HT-2, Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), 15-acetoxyscirpenol (15-AS), and Beauvericin (BEA).
Higher mycotoxin contamination levels were found in samples from Bouira (56.34%) compared to Ain Defla (5.59%).
61.29% of Fusarium strains from Bouira and 53.9% from Ain Defla could produce various mycotoxins, including trichothecenes and non-trichothecenes.

Conclusions

This study is the first to report multiple mycotoxin occurrences linked to Fusarium dry rot in Algerian potatoes.
Fusarium strains isolated from Algerian potatoes exhibit significant potential for producing a range of harmful mycotoxins.
Findings highlight the need for monitoring and management strategies to mitigate mycotoxin risks in potato production in Algeria.