Aflatoxin levels in seeds of commonly grown groundnut varieties (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Ghana as influenced by storage method

Abstract

Quality seeds of improved local genotypes is an important input for increasing the productivity of groundnut in Ghana. The existing means of meeting groundnut seed requirements, especially by smallholder farmers, have serious challenges with timely supply and access to these improved genotypes as a result of the limited participation of the private sector and the self-pollinated nature of the crop. Smallholder farmers who take the initiative to store their own seeds, have challenges with storage fungi and aflatoxin contamination. Farmers' groundnut seed stocks have shown that improvement in seed quality and farmers' seed management requires maintaining healthy seed stock. Toxicogenic fungi and mycotoxins have been reported in several human and animal health disorders and are major contaminants of groundnut seeds during storage. Some level of success has, however, been achieved from earlier studies to evaluate the efficacy of some plant botanicals for preserving shelled groundnuts. However, for smallholder on-farm safety, such phyto-based preservation methods rather reduce groundnut seed embryo vigour and germination rates. Designing and developing economically appropriate storage solution (practices) for maintaining seed integrity for use requires evidence-based research and an eco-friendly approach. Thus, this study was aimed at assessing the efficacy of using jute bag (JB) and interlaced polyethylene jute bag (IPJB) combinations for the storage of groundnut seeds (varieties) against fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination under ambient storage conditions. The study was undertaken at

Determination of Aflatoxin B1 Contents in Peanut Protein Snack Bars

“…In a study conducted in the Ivory Coast in 2018, it was reported that all examined peanut butter samples had AFB1 contamination; 99.0% of the samples had AFB1 levels above 2 ppb, which is the EU limit, and concentrations reached a maximum of 4535 ppb [22]. In another study carried out in Ghana, it was found that peanuts sold in markets could contain AFB1 levels reaching 337 ppb [23]. Te presence of such high and varying amounts of AFs in food items is the result of diferences in the growing and storage conditions and agricultural practices suitable for the development of A. favus fungus.…”

Influence of Indigenous Processing Methods on Aflatoxin Occurrence in Africa

“…Despite the suggestion that groundnuts dried on clean tarpaulin could reduce aflatoxin concentration compared to the traditional on-ground drying [21], it was recently shown that tarpaulin increased aflatoxin levels of three different varieties of groundnut during dried at two different locations in Ghana [31].…”

“…Consequently in Ghana, aflatoxin occurrence in maize grains stored in jute sack was higher (about 55%) compared to grains stored in polyethylene sack [20]. This was also indicated for groundnut stored in jute sacks for 2 months that demonstrate a higher aflatoxin occurrences (148.21 ppb) than their counterpart stored in interlaced polyethylene jute sack [21]. Another study conducted in Tanzania to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus species and aflatoxin in maize stored in room (n = 32) and sacks (n = 8) showed that aflatoxin concentration was high in maize stored in room (334.33 μg/kg) than their counterpart stored in sacks (305.76 μg/kg) though the difference was not significant [22].…”

“…Drying methods affects aflatoxin status in grain and is possibly the most important factor that determine subsequent fungal contamination and production of aflatoxin in grain under storage [21,29]. Regardless of the moisture levels of harvested grains and source of drying energy, the level and rate of production of mycotoxin would partly be influence by drying methods.…”