RESEARCH PAPER
Mycological and mycotoxicological evaluation of grain.
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Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Food Sanitation, Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Violeta Baliukoniene
Department of Veterinary Hygiene and Food Sanitation, Lithuanian VeterinaryAcademy, Tilzes Str. 18, Kaunas, Lithuania LT-3022
Ann Agric Environ Med. 2003;10(2):223-227
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ABSTRACT
Grain storage conditions affect its quality. In Lithuania, different typesof farms have various harvesting, processing and storing conditions. Grain samples were tested from agriculturalgranaries of 3 different types with different grain storage conditions in Lithuania. During March-Aprilin 2001 the investigation on mycological and mycotoxicological state of stored grain from different typesof agricultural granaries were performed. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) samples (n = 33) were tested fromsmall, medium and large granaries. Barley (Hordeum distichon L.) (n = 22) was tested from small and mediumgranaries. Considering this issue, 31 species of micromycetes ascribed to 8 genera were isolated andidentified. The results obtained indicate that highest levels of micromycetes contamination are foundin small granaries with good storing and drying equipment. Micromycetes of some species belonging tothe Penicillium Link, Aspergillus Mich. Ex Fr., Fusarium Link, and other genera, are able to producesecondary metabolites - mycotoxins of various compositions that are toxic to plants, animals, and humans.The levels of mycotoxins zearalenone and ochratoxin A were established. The highest concentration ofzearalenone and ochratoxin A were found in grains from small farm granaries.