Fungal Species and Multi-Mycotoxin Associated with Post-Harvest Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Grain in Eastern Ethiopia

Abstract

Sorghum is the main staple food crop in developing countries, including Ethiopia. However, sorghum grain quantity and quality are affected by contaminating fungi both under field and post-harvest stage. The aim of the current study was to assessed fungal species and multi-mycotoxins associated with sorghum grain in post-harvest samples collected from eastern Ethiopia. Fungal genera of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Bipolaris, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizoctonia were recovered in the infected grain. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) was used for quantification of multiple mycotoxins/fungal metabolites. Overall, 94 metabolites were detected and grouped into eight categories. All metabolites were detected either in one or more samples. Among major mycotoxins and derivatives, deoxynivalenol (137 μg/kg), zearalenone (121 μg/kg), ochratoxin A (115 μg/kg), and fumonisin B1 (112 μg/kg) were detected with maximum concentrations, while aflatoxin B1 had relatively lower concentrations (23.6 μg/kg). Different emerging mycotoxins were also detected, with tenuazonic acid (1515 μg/kg) occurring at the maximum concentration among Alternaria metabolites. Fusaric acid (2786 μg/kg) from Fusarium metabolites and kojic acid (4584 μg/kg) were detected with the maximum concentration among Fusarium and Aspergillus metabolites, respectively. Unspecific metabolites were recognized with neoechinulin A (1996 μg/kg) at the maximum concentration, followed by cyclo (L-Pro-L-Tyr) (574 μg/kg) and cyclo (L-Pro-L-Val) (410 μg/kg). Moreover, metabolites form other fungal genera and bacterial metabolites were also detected at varying levels. Apparently, the study revealed that sorghum grains collected across those districts were significantly contaminated with co-occurrences of several mycotoxins. Farmers should be the main target groups to be trained on the improved management of sorghum production.

WITHDRAWN: Application of molecular image technology in the detection of fungal toxins in rice and identification of their producing bacteria

“…So far, more than 400 different fungal toxins have been identi ed, among which most common and harmful are A atoxin (AFT), Zearalenone (ZEN), Fumonisin (FB), Deoxynivalenol (DON) and T-2 toxin (T-2 toxin). -2 toxin (T-2) [5] . Studies [6] have shown that mycotoxins are most frequently noti ed risk category, accounting for about 21% of all noti cations since 1981.…”

The Occurrence of Non-Regulated Mycotoxins in Foods: A Systematic Review

“…The highest number of co-occurring mycotoxins was 12 mycotoxins in the form of the mixture: AOH + AME + TeA + TEN + ENA1 + ENB + ENB1 + BEA + MON + DAS + NIV + STC found in sorghum from Ethiopia [ 37 ].…”

Mycotoxin Content of Fungi-Contaminated Sorghum Sold in Selected Markets in Ibadan, Nigeria

“…Researches carried out in other regions have discovered a similar trend. For instance, the same group of isolates stated above were isolated from sorghum grains collected in Eastern Ethiopia while proposing that variation in fungal population may be caused by a complex interaction of factors available during sorghum growth on the field, during harvest, and storage practices used [15].…”

“…Sorghum grains are often contaminated by moulds, mostly colonising the surface, causing physical damage and posing a serious biotic limitation in sorghum production areas [6]. Several of these fungi are either facultative parasites or saprophytic fungi, contributing to pre-and post-harvest deterioration of grains [8]. Environmental conditions of temperature and humidity which are prevalent in most of the areas of cultivation, favour the growth and metabolism of these fungi.…”