Aspergillus Flavus Link Research Articles

Indoor fungi on damp walls of buildings and their management

A total of eight species of fungi and one sterile fungus were isolated from the indoor damp walls. The fungi were Aspergillus flavus Link, A. fumigatus Fresenius, A. niger van Teighem, A. niger (culture type 1), A. terreus Thom, A. terreus (culture type 1), A. ustus, Fusarium sp., Penicillium sp. Ulocladium sp. and a fungus with sterile mycelia. The frequency percentage of association of A. fluvus, A. fumigatus and A. niger was higher than any other fungi. This is the first report of association of fungi in indoor damp walls from the Department of Botany, University of Dhaka and a private house of Dhaka city. Effects of six fungicides were evaluated against the isolated fungi. Bavistin and tall were found most effective against the radial growth of the damp wall fungi. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v23i1.19821 Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 23(1): 9-16, 2014

Evaluation of fungal antagonists to control black mold disease under field conditions and to induce the accumulation of antifungal compounds in onion following seed and set treatment

Three isolates, AS3 (non-aflotoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Link), TRIC7 and TRIC8 (Trichoderma harzianum Rifai), from onion (Allium cepa L.) growing soils were recently found to control black mold disease caused by Aspergillus niger (An) van Tieghem and to increase the accumulation of antifungal compounds in pot-grown onion sets. Their ability to increase bulb diameter and total soluble solids in marketable bulbs, to control black mold and to induce the production of antifungal compounds were tested in sets and marketable bulbs raised from treated seeds and sets, respectively, in naturally An-infested field soils at two locations. These isolates significantly controlled the disease at both locations, but they did not have any enhancing effect on set or bulb diameter and soluble solids in marketable bulbs. AS3 and TRIC8 in particular led to defense reactions with accumulation of antifungal compounds in sets and marketable bulbs in both locations. Different compounds were also identified in the fractions with highly antifungal effects.

Studies on Aspergillus Flavus Link. Isolated From Maize in Iran

Abstract The Aspergillus flavus population structure from maize kernels was examined. During 2011, samples were collected from two main grain maize production areas in Iran (Fars and Ardebil provinces), shortly before harvest. One-hundred nine A. flavus isolates were recovered on Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicole (DRBC) agar and Aspergillus flavus/parasiticus medium (AFPA) and grouped into morphotypes and Vegetative Compatibility Groups (VCGs) based on morphological (e.g. sclerotia production), physiological (e.g. aflatoxin-producing ability) and genetic criteria (e.g. heterokaryosis). In general, morphotype and VCG composition were highly dissimilar in both provinces. In total, 43.8% and 44.3% of A. flavus isolates from Ardebil and Fars, respectively, produced sclerotia. Sclerotia producers were identified as A. flavus L and S strain morphotypes in Ardebil (66.7% and 33.3%, respectively) and Fars (29.6% and 70.4%, respectively). Furthermore, 71 isolates (65.1%) were able to produce aflatoxin (Ardebil 40.8%, Fars 59.2%). The aflatoxin values were categorized into four different classes (< 10, 10-100, 100-1,000 and > 1,000 ppb). In total, 51 aflatoxin producing isolates of A. flavus (Ardebil n = 22, Fars n = 29) were assigned into 26 VCGs by complementation of nit auxotrophs on nitrate medium. None of the A. flavus isolates from Ardebil complemented with any isolates from Fars. Genetic diversity of A. flavus isolates was 59.1% and 41.8% for Ardebil and Fars, respectively. The different geographical adaptation and genetic make-up of A. flavus isolates may be due to different climatic conditions, soil types and crop sequences in both maize production areas.

Effect of entomopathogenic Aspergillus strains against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) are sap-sucking insect pests that feed on several plants of agronomical importance. Entomopathogenic fungi are valuable tools for potential aphid control. As part of a selection process, laboratory bioassays were carried with five different concentrations of Aspergillus clavatus (Desmazieres), Aspergillus flavus (Link) and Metarhizium anisopliae ((Metschnikoff) Sorokin) spores against the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). Aspergillus isolates induced higher mortalities than M. anisopliae, which is a well-known entomopathogen in the literature. Lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were 1.23 × 103 and 1.34 × 107 spores/ml for A. flavus, 4.95 × 102 and 5.65 × 107 spores/ml for A. clavatus, and 3.67 × 103 and 9.71 × 107 spores/ml for M. anisopliae 5 days after treatment. Mycelia development and sporulation on adult cadavers were observed 48 h after incubation. The intrinsic growth rate of A. pisum decreased with increased spore concentration for all fungal strains, suggesting an increase in pathogen fitness related to a consumption of host resources. In conclusion, Aspergillus species could be useful in aphid control as pest control agents despite their saprophytic lifestyle. This is also to our knowledge the first report of A. clavatus and A. flavus strains pathogenic to aphids.

Field efficacy of a mixture of atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Link:Fr vegetative compatibility groups in preventing aflatoxin contamination in maize (Zea mays L.)

Competitive exclusion of aflatoxin producers by endemic atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus is a proven tool for aflatoxin management being adapted for use in Africa. Field efficacy of an experimental formulation consisting of four native atoxigenic strains (La3303, La3304, La3279 and Ka16127) was evaluated on maize in 2007 and 2008 in four agroecological zones in Nigeria. The four atoxigenic strains were individually formulated on sterile sorghum grain and subsequently mixed in equal proportions. The blended product was applied on soil (40kg/ha), 2–3weeks before flowering. Grains from treated and untreated fields were analyzed for aflatoxins at harvest and after storage. Proportions of the A. flavus population composed of each of the four applied strains in soil before treatment and in harvested grains were determined using vegetative compatibility analyses. Application of the strain mixture resulted in reduced aflatoxin content and significantly (P<0.05) increased the combined frequencies of the vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) of the applied strains recovered from the soil and grain. Aflatoxin reductions of 67–95% were associated with a 74–80% combined incidence of the VCGs of the four atoxigenic strains on the treated crops. The applied atoxigenic strains remained with the crop into storage and reduced postharvest increases in contamination. The results suggest that the evaluated multi-strain formulated product has potential to contribute to reduced aflatoxin contamination in Nigeria. This is the first report of a field evaluation of an endemic strain mixture effective at reducing aflatoxin contamination during crop development.

Phenotypic and Genetic Characterization of a Maize Association Mapping Panel Developed for the Identification of New Sources of Resistance to Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Accumulation

ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays L.) susceptibility to ear rot by Aspergillus flavus (Link:Fr) and aflatoxin accumulation causes global economic and human health damage. Host plant resistance is an ideal solution, but commercial varieties lack sufficient resistance to solve the problem. Due to general lack of resistant maize germplasm, no currently available association mapping panels are expected to contain significant variation for the trait. A new association mapping panel containing the majority of aflatoxin accumulation resistant maize lines at the time of compilation is presented here along with genetic and phenotypic characterization data. Phenotypic data from testcrossed lines include aflatoxin levels, days to silking, and corn earworm [Helicoverpa zea (Boddie)] damage measured in seven environments and fungal biomass of kernels measured in three. In addition to identifying previously reported aflatoxin resistant lines, new resistant lines were discovered, which may be used for breeding improved germplasm. The Mexican landrace Tuxpeño is the progenitor or one main contributor for most of the resistant lines and likely the source of resistance, but a few other sources may allow additional novel resistance to be pyramided into future breeding lines. Genetic characterization of kinship, genetic diversity, and substructure analysis presented here will allow this resource to be used for association mapping of aflatoxin and identification of factors responsible for this challenging quantitative trait.

Application of Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. essential oil as botanical fungicide for the management of fungal deterioration in pulses

Essential oils isolated from 35 aromatic plants of Gorakhpur Division, India, were screened at 0.36 μl ml− 1 against four dominant fungi Aspergillus flavus Link, A. niger van Tieghem, A. ochraceus Wilhelm and A. terreus Thom found on stored pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan Linn.) seeds. Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. and Citrus aurantium Linn. oils exhibited strong antimycotic activity (100% mycelial inhibition). The minimum inhibitory concentration of C. ambrosioides oil was less (0.07 μl ml− 1) than that of C. aurantium oil, against all the test fungi. Both the oils were fungicidal at higher doses (1.71–2.78 μl ml− 1). C. ambrosioides oil exhibited broad fungitoxic spectrum against 16 other storage fungi of pigeon pea seeds. The oil remained effective with increased inoculum load, and physical factors had no adverse effect on its toxicity. C. ambrosioides oil proved superior to aluminium phosphide and ethylene dibromide, synthetic fumigants, at 0.29 μl ml− 1 and significantly protected 1 kg of pigeon pea seeds from microbial attack for up to 6 months. Chenopodium oil can be recommended as an effective substitute of synthetic fumigants for storage of pigeon pea seeds.

Solid-State Bioconversion of Pineapple Residues into Kojic Acid by Aspergillus flavus: A Prospective Study

—Kojic acid is an organic acid that is widely used as an ingredient for dermatological products, precursor for flavor enhancer and also as anti-inflammatory drug. The present study was undertaken to test the feasibility of pineapple residues as substrate for kojic acid production by Aspergillus flavus Link 44-1 via solid-state fermentation. The effect of initial moisture content, pH and incubation time on kojic acid fermentation was investigated. The best initial moisture content for kojic acid production from pineapple residues was observed at 70% (v/w) whereas initial culture pH 2.5 was identified to give high production of kojic acid. The optimal range of incubation time was identified between 8 and 14 days of incubation which corresponded to highest range of kojic acid produced. The results from this study pronounce the promising usability of pineapple residues as alternative substrate for kojic acid production by A. flavus Link 44-1.

Effect of Ephedra alata Decne. on lipids metabolism of Aspergillus flavus Link

In Aspergillus flavus Link, the total lipid, sterols, neutral lipids, phospholipids and fatty acid content decreased significantly with the application of different concentrations of Ephedra alata Decne. extrtact. Gas chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of 12 fatty acids namely, (caprylic (C8), capric (C10), lauric (C12), myristic (C14), palmitic (C16), palmitoleic (C16:1), stearic (C18), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), ? linolenic (C18:3), arachidic (C20) and arachidonic (C20:4) with total un-saturation per cent 69.78 in the cellular lipids of A. flavus. The use of E. alata extracts induced significant alteration in fatty acid profile towards increment saturation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v42i1.15823 Bangladesh J. Bot. 42(1): 45-49, 2013 (June)

Anthracnose and leaf spot diseases of Aloe vera L. from Bangladesh

Characteristic symptoms of anthracnose and leaf spot were recorded from diseased leaf samples of Aloe vera L. A total of 8 fungal species, namely Alternaria pluriseptata (Karst. &amp; Har.) Jorstad, Aspergillus flavus Link, Aspergillus niger Van Tieghem, Cladosporium oxysporum Berk. &amp; Curt., Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc., Nigrospora oryzae (Berk. &amp; Br.) Petch, Penicillium sp. and Pestalotiopsis guepinii (Desm.) Stay. were found to be associated with healthy and diseased leaf samples. In addition to above 8 fungi, Curvularia brachyospora Boedijn, Epicoccum purpurascens Ehrenb. ex Schlecht and Sclerotium sp. were also associated with diseased leaf samples of the plant. The prevalence of the fungi ranged 1.43 - 13.35% on healthy leaves and 1.43 - 62.16% on infected leaves. The frequency of C. gloeosporioides was the maximum and that of Aspergillus and Penicillium was the lowest. Pathogenicity test revealed that C. gloeosporioides causes anthracnose and E. purpurascens and P. guepinii cause leaf spots of A. vera.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 22(2): 103-108, 2013 (July)

Confirming quantitative trait loci for aflatoxin resistance from Mp313E in different genetic backgrounds

The fungus Aspergillus flavus (Link:Fr) causes ear rot of maize (Zea mays L.) and produces the toxic metabolic product aflatoxin. One particularly effective method of controlling the fungus is via host plant resistance, but while several resistant breeding lines have been identified, transferring the resistance genes from these lines into elite cultivars has been less effective than needed. A high number of genes involved with resistance, each with a small effect, and some only found under certain environmental conditions, has hampered resistance breeding. The identification of markers linked to genomic regions associated with resistance would aid in this effort. The goals of this study were to identify and characterize quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to aflatoxin accumulation from resistant maize donor Mp313E in a background of the susceptible inbred line Va35; to compare them to the QTL identified from Mp313E in a background of B73; and to test the stability of the QTL identified in Mp313E × Va35 in multiple environments by remapping the phenotypic tails of the Mp313E × Va35 mapping population in new locations. Twenty different QTL were found in this study, 11 of which were also found in different environments using the phenotypic tail subset mapping population, and five of which were likely the same as those reported in the Mp313E × B73 mapping population. This indicates that many of the QTL are stable over the environments and genetic backgrounds tested, which will make them more valuable in breeding efforts.

The inhibitory effects of Curcuma longa L. essential oil and curcumin on Aspergillus flavus link growth and morphology.

The essential oil from Curcuma longa L. was analysed by GC/MS. The major components of the oil were ar-turmerone (33.2%), α-turmerone (23.5%) and β-turmerone (22.7%). The antifungal activities of the oil were studied with regard to Aspergillus flavus growth inhibition and altered morphology, as preliminary studies indicated that the essential oil from C. longa inhibited Aspergillus flavus Link aflatoxin production. The concentration of essential oil in the culture media ranged from 0.01% to 5.0% v/v, and the concentration of curcumin was 0.01–0.5% v/v. The effects on sporulation, spore viability, and fungal morphology were determined. The essential oil exhibited stronger antifungal activity than curcumin on A. flavus. The essential oil reduced the fungal growth in a concentration-dependent manner. A. flavus growth rate was reduced by C. longa essential oil at 0.10%, and this inhibition effect was more efficient in concentrations above 0.50%. Germination and sporulation were 100% inhibited in 0.5% oil. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of A. flavus exposed to oil showed damage to hyphae membranes and conidiophores. Because the fungus is a plant pathogen and aflatoxin producer, C. longa essential oil may be used in the management of host plants.

Report of Association of Mycoflora with Leaves And Stems of Leea Macrophylla Roxb. Ex Harnem from Bangladesh

Fifteen species of fungi belonging to ten genera were found to be associated with Leea macrophylla Roxb. ex Harnem. The species are Alternaria tenuissima (Kunze ex Pers.) Wiltshire, Aspergillus flavus Link, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger van Tiegh, Chaetomium Kunze, Colletotrichum musae (Berk. &amp; Curt.) Arx, Colletotrichum dematium (Pres. Ex Fr.) Grove, Curvularia pallescens Boedijn,, Fusarium moniliforme Shelden, Fusarium sp., Melasmia Lev, Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Trichoderma harzianum Pers. and Trichoderma viride Pers. This is the first record of association of the fungi with Leea macrophylla from Bangladesh. All the identified fungi were tested for their pathogenic potentiality. Colletotrichum dematium, Curvularia pallescens, and Fusarium sp. produced symptoms on artificially inoculated leaves of Leea macrophylla. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i2.12972 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 2, 257-262, 2012

Inhibitory effect of the essential oil of Curcuma longa L. and curcumin on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus Link

Aflatoxins are highly toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic mycotoxins. Consumption of aflatoxin-contaminated food and commodities poses serious hazards to the health of humans and animals. Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., is a native plant of Southeast Asia and has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antifungal properties. This paper reports the antiaflatoxigenic activities of the essential oil of C. longa and curcumin. The medium tests were prepared with the oil of C. longa, and the curcumin standard at concentrations varied from 0.01% to 5.0%. All doses of the essential oil of the plant and the curcumin standard interfered with mycotoxin production. Both the essential oil and curcumin significantly inhibited the production of aflatoxins; the 0.5% level had a greater than 96% inhibitory effect. The levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) production were 1.0 and 42.7μg/mL, respectively, for the samples treated with the essential oil of C. longa L. and curcumin at a concentration of 0.5%.

Association of Fungi with Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Fosb.)

Nine species of fungi belonging to eight genera of Deuteromycetes were found associated with leaves and fruits of breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis. The fungi were Alternaria alternata (Fries) Keissler, Aspergillus niger Van Tiegh, Aspergillus flavus Link, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc, Curvularia lunata (Wakker) Boedijn., Penicillium sp. Pteroconium state of Apiospora camptospora Penz. &amp; Sacc. and Spicaria sp., and Zygosporium oscheoides Mont.. This is the first report of association of A. alternata, C. gloeosporioides., Curvularia lunata, Penicillium sp. Pteroconium state of A. camptospora, Spicaria sp. and Z. oscheoides, with breadfruit. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was the predominating fungus recorded on all infected matured leaves showing brown lesion and anthracnose symptom, and also pathogenic to breadfruit plant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v36i1.10930 Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 36, No. 1, 143-146, 2012

Registration of Mp718 and Mp719 Germplasm Lines of Maize

Maize (Zea mays L.) germplasm lines Mp718 (Reg. No. GP‐581, PI 662045) and Mp719 (Reg. No. GP‐582, PI 662046) were developed and released by USDA‐ARS in cooperation with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, Mississippi State, MS, as sources of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link: Fries and occurs naturally in maize. Mp718 and Mp719 were developed from a cross between Mp715 (PI 614819), a line selected from ‘Tuxpan’ for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation, and Va35 (PI 587150), a nonstiff stalk line. These lines were evaluated for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in a series of eight experiments conducted in Mississippi from 2004 through 2010. Neither Mp718 nor Mp719 differed from Mp715, their resistant parent, in aflatoxin accumulation, but both lines reached midsilk 13 d earlier and sustained less lodging than Mp715. Both Mp718, designated as Mp04:96 during development, and Mp719, designated as Mp04:97, exhibited excellent levels of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in crosses with NC388. The level of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation exhibited by Mp718 and Mp719, as both germplasm lines or in single crosses, indicates that they should be reliable sources of resistance for maize breeding programs.

How promising is Lasioseius floridensis as a control agent of Polyphagotarsonemus latus?

The blattisociid mite Lasioseius floridensis Berlese was found associated with the broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks), on gerbera leaves in Mogi das Cruzes, State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Blattisociid mites are not common on aerial plant parts, except under high air humidity levels. Some Lasioseius species have been mentioned as effective control agents of rice pest mites, but nothing is known about the biology of L. floridensis. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the observed co-occurrence of L. floridensis and P. latus was just occasional or whether the latter could be important as food source for the former, assumed by laboratory evaluation of the ability of the predator to maintain itself, reproduce and develop on that prey. Biological parameters of L. floridensis were compared when exposed to P. latus and to other items as food. The study showed that mating is a pre-requisite for L. floridensis to oviposit and that oviposition rate was much higher on the soil nematode Rhabditella axei (Cobbold) (Rhabditidae) than on P. latus. Ovipositon on the acarid mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae (Schrank) was about the same as on P. latus, but it was nearly zero when the predator was fed the fungi Aspergillus flavus Link or Penicillium sp., or cattail (Typha sp.) pollen. Survivorship was higher in the presence of pollen and lower in the presence of A. flavus or Penicillium sp. than in the absence of those types of food. Life table parameters indicated that the predator performed much better on R. axei than on P. latus. To evaluate the potential effect of L. floridensis as predator of P. latus, complementary studies are warranted to determine the frequency of migration of L. floridensis to aerial plant parts, when predation on P. latus could occur.

Confirmation of QTL Reducing Aflatoxin in Maize Testcrosses

ABSTRACTAflatoxins, produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link:Fr, constrain maize (Zea mays) production in some regions. Difficulties in breeding resistance to this toxin make it a good target for quantitative trait locus (QTL) identification and molecular‐assisted breeding. Multiple QTL have been identified for aflatoxin resistance in inbred lines per se; however, it has not been determined if aflatoxin resistance QTL would be useful in hybrids or have deleterious pleiotropic effects. The objectives were to confirm the presence, in testcrosses, of QTL estimates previously identified in lines per se; estimate new QTL for reducing aflatoxin accumulations and agronomic traits in hybrids; and evaluate co‐localization of QTL that suggest pleiotropic effects with measured traits. Plant height, flowering time, starch, oil, and protein were also included in the analysis. Significant environment and genetic × environment interaction were detected for most traits. Heritability estimates were equivalent to those previously reported, and no meaningful correlations were detected between aflatoxin accumulation and other traits. Ninety‐three QTL were detected across 14 traits measured in five environments. Aflatoxin‐reducing QTL detected in per se analyses were detected in testcrosses on chromosome 1, with new QTL detected on chromosomes 3, 4, 8, and 9. Co‐localization of aflatoxin‐reducing QTL detected on chromosome 9 with QTL for silking date suggests a pleiotropic effect based on avoidance or agronomics and not a resistance QTL.

Analysis of phytochemical constituents of Eucalyptus citriodora L. responsible for antifungal activity against post-harvest fungi

In vitro antifungal activity and phytochemical constituents of essential oil, aqueous, methanol and chloroform extract of Eucalyptus citriodora Hook leaves were investigated. A qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed for the detection of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, sterols, tannins and phenols. Methanolic extract holds all identified biochemical constituents except for the tannin. While these biochemical constituents were found to be absent in essential oil, aqueous and chloroform extracts with the exception of sterols, cardiac glycosides and phenols in essential oil and sterols and phenols in aqueous and chloroform extracts. Antimycotic activity of four fractions of E. citriodora was investigated through agar-well diffusion method against four post-harvest fungi, namely, Aspergillus flavus Link ex Gray, Aspergillus fumigatus Fres., Aspergillus nidulans Eidam ex Win and Aspergillus terreus Thom. The results revealed maximum fungal growth inhibition by methanolic extract (14.5%) followed by essential oil (12.9%), chloroform extract (10.15%) and aqueous extract (10%).

Increased gum arabic production after infestation of Acacia senegal with Aspergillus flavus and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes transmitted by Agrilus nubeculosus.

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the beetle Agrilus nubeculosus and gum arabic production by Acacia senegal. Some trees were tapped and left open to facilitate infestation by A. nubeculosus and others were covered with wire mesh as control. Gum yield, physical and chemical properties of gum were determined for infested and control trees. A. senegal infested by A. nubeculosus produced significantly more gum than control trees. Infestation also caused significant changes in some physical properties of gum (colour, shape, size, moisture content and optical rotation) and chemical properties (ferrous, calcium, magnesium and nitrogen contents), whereas, no significant difference was recorded in phosphorus and manganese contents. Aspergillus flavus Link. and Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes Monias were isolated from the mouth parts of A. nubeculosus. Inoculation of the tapped branches of A. senegal with a suspension of A. flavus alone or in combination with P. pseudoalcaligenes, resulted in highly significant gum yield as compared to the control. It seems that A. flavus and P. pseudoalcaligenes acted as elicitors that have stimulated the synthesis of gum arabic. A. nubeculosus transmitted A. flavus and P. pseudoalcaligenes to the tapped areas. Hence, the beetle was significantly associated with gum production. Key words: Acacia Senegal, gum arabic, Aspergillus flavus, Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, Agrilus nubeculosus, inoculation elicitors.