Post-harvest management of aflatoxin contamination in groundnut

Abstract

Aflatoxin contamination in groundnut by Aspergillus section Flavi is a major pre- and post-harvest problem causing kernel-quality loss. Post-harvest aflatoxin contamination is caused initially by infestation of aflatoxigenic strains at the pre-harvest stage, resulting in reduced kernel quality after harvest. Improper handling of pods and storage methods after harvest lead to high moisture and ambient temperatures, directly causing aflatoxin contamination. In this review, we report the extent of post-harvest contamination along the groundnut value chain in the Kolokani, Kayes, and Kita districts of Mali in West Africa. Groundnut kernels and paste samples were collected from retailers in selected markets from December 2010 to June 2011, and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) content was estimated. Aflatoxin was significantly higher in groundnut paste than in kernels. Kolokani recorded the highest toxin levels in both kernels and groundnut paste compared with the other districts. Overall, AFB1 levels in kernels and paste increased during storage at the market level in the three districts and were above permissible levels (≯20 μg/kg). The effect of weather factors on post-harvest contamination and the reasons for aflatoxin build-up in Mali are discussed. This paper also highlights different management tools for reducing post-harvest aflatoxin contamination, such as post-harvest grain handling, post-harvest machinery, physical separation, storage methods and conditions, disinfestation, detoxification, inactivation, filtration, binding agents, and antifungal compounds. Post-harvest management options and enhanced use of good agricultural practices for mitigating this problem in Mali are also presented.

Aflatoxin variations in maize flour and grains collected from various regions of Kenya

“…Agricultural produce is prone to aflatoxin contamination, particularly during harvesting, threshing, and drying. Contamination can also occur when grains are in storage due to pest infestation and the poor conditions that lead to accelerated growth rates of Aspergillus [8,9].…”

Prevalence of Aspergillus flavus Infection and Aflatoxin Contamination of Groundnut in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh

“…Ascertaining the actual reasons for post-harvest build up of aflatoxins will therefore help in identifying areas of intervention to overcome the problem. Based on this, different management tools for reducing this aflatoxin contamination such as proper post-harvest grain handling, role of post-harvest machinery, physical separation of grains, proper storage methods and conditions, disinfestation, detoxification, inactivation, filtration, use of binding agents and antifungal compounds can be advocated situation-wise to overcome this problem 22 . Adequate drying of pods to safe moisture levels and proper storing in containers of jute bags is therefore essential for stored groundnut that prevent critical increases in fungal populations and thereby aflatoxin contamination 20 .…”

Evaluation of Different Fertilizer Sources for the Management of Aflatoxin Contamination in Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) in the Southern Guinea Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Nigeria.

“…Toxigenic strains of Aspergillus contaminate groundnuts and other crops along the value chain including post-harvest handling. Contamination varies from year to year and is particularly high when plants are exposed to stress toward the end of the growing season (Waliyar et al, 2015). Pre-harvest infections of aflatoxin usually occur when the plant is exposed to moisture and heat stress during pod development, when pods are damaged by insects or nematodes or when they are mechanically damaged during farm operations (Waliyar et al, 2007).…”