Isolation of Mycotoxin producing Aspergillus Niger from soil and its application as Pesticide

Abstract

Fungi associated with mycotoxin production are found worldwide and may produce toxins in almost any food source that will support their growth. Mycotoxins are the toxic secondary metabolite of the fungus kingdom and they can cause disease and death in both humans and other animals. In this study, we isolated the filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger from the soil and produced its mycotoxins. By using thin layer chromatography (TLC) the crude mycotoxins were characterized and used for testing their insecticidal and weed controller activity. The insecticidal activity tested by spraying mechanisms and pests are dead in a limited period of time and mycotoxins also showed good herbicide activity in selected weeds. The outcome of the present study demonstrates that extracted mycotoxins from Aspergillus niger can be used as a pesticide in agricultural fields.