Abstract
The black spored fungi of the subgenera Circumdata, the section Nigri (=Aspergillus niger group) is reviewed relative to their production of mycotoxins and their effects on plants as pathogens. Molecular methods have revealed more than 18 cryptic species, of which several have been characterized as potential mycotoxin producers. Others are defined as benign relative to their ability to produce mycotoxins. However, these characterizations are based on in vitro culture and toxins production. Several can produce the ochratoxins that are toxic to livestock, poultry, and humans. The black aspergilli produce rots of grapes, maize, and numerous other fruits and grain and they are generally viewed as post-harvest pathogens. Data are review to suggest that black aspergilli, as so many others, are symptomless endophytes. These fungi and their mycotoxins contaminate several major grains, foodstuffs, and products made from them such as wine, and coffee. Evidence is presented that the black aspergilli are producers of other classes of mycotoxins such as the fumonisins, which are known carcinogenic and known prior investigations as being produced by the Fusarium species. Three species are identified in U.S. maize and peanuts as symptomless endophytes, which suggests the potential for concern as pathogens and as food safety hazards.
Highlights
Fungi of the genus Aspergillus have a long history of associations with humankind
This review focuses on identifying the species of the subgenera Circumdati, the section Nigri (=A. niger group) (Table 1) encountered on cereals and other plants, with an emphasis on maize and peanuts in particular
The subgenus Circumdati section Nigri consists of at least 19 species of black spore species of which A. niger var. niger is probably the most dominant species in the US where it is found in most soil types and on dozens of fruits and cereal grains
Summary
Fungi of the genus Aspergillus have a long history of associations with humankind. The genus was first described by Micheli in 1729 [1] to include those fungi with long stalks and spore heads that radiated in long chains from a central structure resembling an aspergillum, the brush-like structure used in religious ceremonies for sprinkling holy water. The plant pathogens are of concern for their ability to destroy several agronomically important food crops, and due to their ability to produce several mycotoxins These mycotoxins are associated with specific species or subgenera of the Aspergillus and are in general toxic to livestock, poultry, fish, and humans. One of the first reports for the natural occurrences of ochratoxicosis was in poultry, which consisted of five independent episodes including about 970,000 turkeys, two episodes of about 70,000 laying hens, and two episodes in about 12,000,000 broilers [7] These observations served to establish ochratoxins as important toxins in agriculture, and in food safety. The nature of the association with their hosts and their potential to produce the ochratoxins and other toxins relative to specific species are reviewed
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