Abstract
A two-part study was conducted to measure aflatoxin concentrations in individual grade components of farmers stock peanuts. Components were sound mature kernels (SMK), sound splits (SS), loose shelled kernels (LSK), other kernels (OK), and damaged kernels (DK). In Part 1, components of 151 official grade samples, averaging 1.8 kg, were analyzed for aflatoxin, whereas, in Part 2, analyses were conducted on components of 52 11.3-kg samples taken from 27 farmers stock lots. Results showed that the mean aflatoxin concentration for all samples in Part 1 was 89 ppb and that most of the toxin was associated with the OK, LSK, and DK components. Aflatoxin in the SMK + SS components averaged only 3 ppb, whereas aflatoxin in the OK, LSK, and DK averaged 247, 403, and 4107 ppb, respectively. Similar results were obtained in Part 2 with an overall average of 64 ppb and component averages of 4 ppb (SMK), 1 ppb (SS), 109 ppb (OK), 424 ppb (LSK), and 3188 ppb (DK). In many contaminated lots, the SMK and SS components, which comprised 85% of the total kernel weight, were minimally contaminated (1-2 ppb). Correlation coefficients between aflatoxin concentrations in total grade samples and the combined OK, LSK, and DK components suggest that analysis of just those components could provide a better indication of the aflatoxin risk associated with a lot than is provided by the visual Aspergillus flavus method used in the current grading system. In addition, separate storage of contaminated lots would allow reclamation of the noncontaminated SMKs during years when peanuts are in short supply.
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Keywords: Arachis hypogaea L, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, farmers stock, Groundnuts, HPLC
How to Cite:
Dorner, J. & Cole, R., (1997) “Distribution of Aflatoxin in Grade Sample Components of Farmers Stock Peanuts”, Peanut Science 24(1), p.47-51. doi: https://doi.org/10.3146/i0095-3679-24-1-11