Evaluation of aflatoxin contamination in protein-rich pulses using a GFP-expressing strain.

BACKGROUND

Mycotoxigenic fungi pose significant threats to food safety and marketability. Crop-specific differences in susceptibility to these fungi can influence contamination levels.

OBJECTIVES

The resistance or susceptibility of protein-rich pulse crops-chickpeas ( L. cv. CDC Frontier), lentils ( Medik cv. Eston), peas ( L. cv. LeRoy), and corn ( L. cv. H97C) to infection by were evaluated using a kernel screening assay (KSA).

METHODOLOGY

strain 70 (AF-70) expressing green-fluorescent protein (GFP) was used to quantify fungal spread and mycotoxin production. Fungal infection and toxin levels, including aflatoxins (AFB, AFB), cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), and α-aflatrem, were monitored at 2-day intervals over a 10-day period post inoculation.

RESULTS

Although all seeds were infected by , corn produced significantly higher levels of AFB and AFB compared to pulses. However, pulses accumulated relatively higher levels of CPA and α‑aflatrem.

CONCLUSION

While pulses may be less susceptible to aflatoxin contamination than corn, the elevated concentrations of CPA and α‑aflatrem underscore the need for further toxicological evaluation and mechanistic studies. Future research should explore the underlying resistance mechanisms from field to storage to better ensure crop safety.