Mycoflora Association and Contamination with Aflatoxins in Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Seeds

Abstract

The study aimed to identify sunflower seed - borne fungi associated withsunflower (Helianthus annuusL.), and also to explain the effect of environmental factors on increasing or decreasing the levels of aflatoxins in sunflower seeds. Seeds were collected from two governorates from season 2009. The sunflower seed-borne fungi was screened by using blotter and agar plate methods in two cultivars seeds. Fungi associated with sunflower seeds under different storage tempera ture degreesfor different periods were determined using blotter and agar methods. It was found that sunflower seeds contained different fungal genera in both Sakha .53 and Giza.102 sunflower cultivars studied. The main species (spp.) found wereAspergillus flavusat the highest frequency, foll owed by Alternaria alternataand thenPenicilliumspp,Drechleraspp were found at the lowest frequency. A positive correlation between frequency of fungal infection, storage period and temperature was found. The presence of aflatoxin was determined in con taminated sunflower seeds using flow through strips and Vicam immunoaffinity column methods. The effect ofenvironmental factors plays animportantrole on increasing or decreasing the levels of aflatoxins in sunflower seeds.