Mycoflora and Total Aflatoxin Isolated from Dry Dates in Sana'a, Yemen

Abstract

This study is designed to record the mycoflora and total aflatoxin 
 isolated from dry dates in Yemen Republic. Thirty four date samples 
 collected from different shops and markets in Sana’a city were 
 analyzed mycologically for the presence of fungi cultivated on three 
 types of media. Eight species belonging to 7 genera were isolated 
 from analyzed date samples on the three cultural media. Aspergillus
 genera was the most dominant fungi and grew well on the three type 
 of media of which A. niger is the most common species, A. flavus was 
 isolated in rare, low and rare frequency on 1% and 20% sucrose 
 Czapek’s and Sabouraud dextrose agar media. Rhizopus stolonifer 
 was isolated in rare, low and low frequency on 1, and 20% sucrose 
 Czapek's and Sabouraud dextrose agar media. The date samples were 
 analyzed for the presence of total aflatoxin using ELISA technique 
 which revealed that 4 out of 5 date samples were contaminated with 
 aflatoxin ranged from 3059.89-7585.96 ppt (ng Kg-1).