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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
Published on: April 23, 2012
Longitudinal profiling of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxin risks in Coix lacryma-jobi L
Anqi Xu1, Yan Xu1, Yuhui Yang1
1Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
Abstract:
Mycotoxin contamination in Coix lacryma-jobi L. threatens its safety as a food and medicinal crop, yet studies on toxigenic fungi in the field and associated dietary exposure risks remain limited. This longitudinal study (2021, 2023-2024) characterized mycotoxin contamination across the field-to-market chain, encompassing field occurrence, toxigenic fungal etiology, market samples contamination, and dietary exposure risks in real-world populations. ZEN was detected in 100 % of samples in 2021 (n = 121) and 2024 (n = 306). Among 273 fungal isolates, FGSC were responsible for ZEN contamination. Additionally, higher ZEN levels were found in husk-bran mixture than in polished seeds. Detection of Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin in polished seed indicated contamination initiated during growth. 29 of 37 mycotoxins were detected, with widespread co-contamination patterns (ZEN+BEA, ZEN+STC, AFB1 +ZEN+STC) observed. Risk assessment revealed potential health hazards from ZENs and aflatoxins for consumers of edible coix. This study provides valuable insights for field management and market surveillance.
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