VIEW ARTICLE

Influence of Aspergillus chevalieri on Production of Aflatoxin in Rice by Aspergillus parasiticus. R. A. Boller, Research Plant Pathologist, Market Quality Research Group, ARS, USDA, P.O. Drawer ED, College Station, Texas 77840; H. W. Schroeder, Research Leader, Market Quality Research Group, ARS, USDA, P.O. Drawer ED, College Station, Texas 77840. Phytopathology 63:1507-1510. Accepted for publication 5 June 1973. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-63-1507.

Small quantities of aflatoxin B₁ were detected in rice inoculated with Aspergillus parasiticus after 14 through 21 days at 85% relative humidity and 30 to 35 C. Larger quantities of aflatoxin B₁ and in addition B₂, G₁, and G₂ were detected after storage at 25 C for 28 days or longer. No aflatoxins were detected at 85% relative humidity, when the rice was simultaneously inoculated with spores of both A. parasiticus and A. chevalieri. Invasion and production of aflatoxin was rapid in rice inoculated with only A. parasiticus in each of the three temperatures at 100% relative humidity. A. parasiticus invaded rapidly but considerably smaller quantities of aflatoxins were produced when rice was simultaneously inoculated with both species at 100% relative humidity. Reduction in aflatoxin B₁ ranged from 99% at 25 C, 100% at 30 C, to 95% at 35 C.