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Postharvest Pathology and Mycotoxins

Identification of Aflatoxin-Producing Atmospheric Isolates of Aspergillus flavus. Mark G. Holtmeyer, Graduate research assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Missouri, Columbia 65201, Present address of senior author: Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis 95616; Jack R. Wallin, research plant pathologist, USDA, SEA, AR, and Department of Plant Pathology; University of Missouri, Columbia 65201. Phytopathology 70:325-327. Accepted for publication 7 November 1979. Copyright 1980 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-70-325.

Qualitative and quantitative air samplers were used to collect aflatoxin-producing isolates of Aspergillus flavus from several corn production sites in Missouri. Coconut agar provided rapid, and effective qualitative identification of isolates that produced aflatoxin. During the 3-yr period 1976–1978, aflatoxin-producing isolates were obtained from all sampling sites in the state. Of 31 isolates collected by air samplers in 1977, 20 (65%) produced aflatoxin.