title: The production of cyclopiazonic acid by Penicillium commune and cyclopiazonic acid and aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus as affected by water activity and temperature on maize grains.
abstract: The combined effects of water activity (a(w)) and temperature on mycotoxin production by Penicilium commune (cyclopiazonic acid - CPA) and Aspergillus flavus (CPA and aflatoxins - AF) were studied on maize over a 14-day period using a statistical experimental design. Analysis of variance showed a highly significant interaction (P ≤ 0.001) between these factors and mycotoxin production. The minimum a(w)/temperature for CPA production (2264 ng g(-1) P. commune, 709 ng g(-1) A. flavus) was 0.90 a(w)/30 °C while greatest production (7678 ng g(-1) P. commune, 1876 ng g(-1) A. flavus) was produced at 0.98 a(w)/20 °C. Least AF (411 ng g(-1)) was produced at 0.90 a(w)/20 °C and most (3096 ng g(-1)) at 0.98 a(w)/30 °C.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, G1 1XW, Glasgow.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gqaleni
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lacey
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gettinby