Studies on the Effect of Gamma Irradiation on the Growth & Toxin Production by Aflatoxin Producimg Fungi

In the present investigation , 170 samples representing 16 different foods and feeds , collected from different localities , were examinea for their fungal contamination and mycotoxins.The mold’s viable count varied between the different food and feed samples.Thin layer chromatography was used fro presumptive identification of toxins in each sample. The identification of the toxin (s) on the initial TLC plate was checked by developing different plates with various solvent systems. The most useful solvent system found was toluene: ethyl acetate: chloroform: formic acid 90% (70+50+50+20). Quantitative estimation of mycotoxins were carried out by comparing the fluorescence intensities on the TLC plate viewed under short and long wave U.V. light with standard mycotoxins.Aflatoxine were found in 3 out of 170 samples, two samples of white corn and one sample of yellow corn. Ochratoxin A was found in 2 out of 170 samples, poultry feed and peeled lentils. Penicillic acid was found in none.