The mycotoxins alternariol, alternariol methyl ester, altenuene, alterntoxin and tenuazonic acid have been found in wheat where wet weather delayed harvest. These toxins have been found in whole wheat breads made from contaminated wheat grain. Alternaria alternata (Fr.:Fr, Keissl.), A. triticina (Pras. and Prab.) and perhaps some other Alternaria spp. have been shown to produce these toxins. These fungi grow only when wheat grain is in equilibrium with 95 to 100 % relative humidity. or greater than 22% moisture. These toxins have mutagenic effects and have been linked to the occurrence of esophageal cancers in China.
Categories: Stored Grain, Fungi, Alternaria toxins
Date: 11/11/2007
