Incidence of Aspergillus species and mycotoxins in dried figs in southern Iran

During 2005-2007, soil, leaf and fig fruit samples from fig plantation in Estahban in Fars Province and several samples of dried figs from markets in Shiraz city were collected. Ninety four isolates of Aspergillus species were recovered from soil, leaf and fig fruit samples. Based on cultural characteristic, temperature and morphological criteria the following Aspergillus species with their percentage frequencies were identified: A. alliaceus (3.13), A. carbonarius (7.44) A. flavus (35.1), A. fumigatus (6.38), A. japonicus (4.25), A. niger var niger (39.6), A. ochraceus (2.13), and A. terreus (2.13). A. japonicus and A. ochraceus are as a new report for Iran and Fars province mycoflora respectively. The genetic diversity of a population of A. flavus from various substrates using nit mutants and their aflatoxin production was determined. Seven vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) were identified among the nit mutants. The in vitro ability of A. flavus isolates in aflatoxin production was assessed using yeast extract sucrose agar medium supplemented with 0.2% methylated --cyclodextrin. There was a relationship between a VCG and the amount of mycotoxin produced by the isolate.