Aflatoxin B1 production in chillies (Capsicum annuum L.) kept in cold stores

Abstract

An attempt has been made to isolate and enumerate the mycoflora invading chillies kept in cold storage 
since May, 1999. Chilli pods were collected from the cold stores at monthly intervals for a period of one 
year between December 2002 to November 2003. The incidence of molds on unsterilized as well as 
surface sterilized samples was recorded. Species of Aspergillus found to be dominant on stored chillies 
were screened for antimicrobial activity. The toxins from A. flavus and A. niger exhibited antibacterial 
and antifungal activity. Incidences of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium spp. and Mucor spp. was low on 
stored chillies when compared to Aspergillus spp. Chilli seeds aseptically collected from the pods were 
also tested for mycoflora. Natural occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in chilli pods kept in cold storage was 
tested. Results from HPLC analysis revealed that the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 to 
the extent of 5.5 g Kg-1 .