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Occurrence of Aspergillus and Penicillium Species, Accumulation of Fungal Secondary Metabolites, and qPCR Detection of Potential Aflatoxigenic Aspergillus Species in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Seeds from Different Farming Systems

Summary

This study examined chickpea seeds purchased from stores to check for dangerous fungi and toxins they produce. Researchers found that organic chickpeas had more fungal contamination than conventionally grown ones. While most of the dangerous fungi didn’t produce harmful toxins in the seeds, their presence suggests chickpeas should be regularly tested to keep consumers safe.

Background

Chickpea is an important legume crop susceptible to mycotoxigenic fungal contamination, particularly by Aspergillus and Penicillium species. European chickpea markets raise consumer health concerns due to potential mycotoxin contamination, with levels varying by farming system. Rapid and reliable screening tools for detecting aflatoxigenic species are needed.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze marketed chickpea seeds from organic and non-organic farming systems for fungal and mycotoxin contamination, identify Aspergillus and Penicillium species through molecular analysis, detect fungal secondary metabolites, and develop a qPCR protocol to detect potentially aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species.

Results

Aspergillus and Penicillium were the most frequently identified mycotoxigenic genera. Organic samples showed significantly higher Aspergillus and Penicillium colonies than non-organic samples. Molecular analysis identified seven Aspergillus species and eleven Penicillium species, including potentially aflatoxigenic A. flavus/oryzae and A. parasiticus. Only A. parasiticus produced aflatoxins in low amounts, and sydowinin B was detected in all samples.

Conclusion

The presence of potentially aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species in chickpea seeds warrants monitoring to protect consumer health. The qPCR protocol targeting the omt-1 gene proved to be a promising rapid tool for detecting aflatoxigenic Aspergillus species. Combined application of multiple isolation methods enhances fungal detection efficiency.
  • Published in:Foods,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Analytical Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40807547, DOI: 10.3390/foods14152610
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