Mycotoxin-producing fungi in groundnuts. Potential for mycotoxin contamination.

Research on aflatoxin contamination of groundnuts following invasion by toxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus has provided guidelines for elimination or reduction of the problem. Unfortunately, groundnut growers in the semi-arid tropics (SAT) have not adopted the recommended practices. The possible use of genetic resistance to seed invasion by A. flavus and to aflatoxin production is considered and some research data presented. Many species of fungi have been found associated with groundnut seeds and several are known to be capable of producing mycotoxins on suitable substrates. Reports of natural occurrence of mycotoxins in groundnuts are reviewed, and the natural occurrence of citrinin and zearalenone reported. Preliminary data on mycotoxin production by fungi isolated from groundnuts are presented