VIEW ARTICLE

Influence of Relative Humidity 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 64:17-21. Accepted for publication 12 June 1973. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-64-17.

At 30 C, invasion and colonization of rice inoculated with Aspergillus parasiticus increased with storage humidity. At relative humidities (RH) of 70, 75, and 80%, 15 to 30% of the kernels were infected. More rapid invasion and colonization by A. parasiticus, greater accumulations of aflatoxins, and greater activity by species of the natural mycoflora accompanied increases in the storage RH. Decreases in aflatoxin accumulations detected during late storage appeared to be associated with increased activity by species of the A. glaucus group. The latter relationship indicated that more attention should be given to the effect of competitive species during storage.