Identification of Fungi Associated with Hazelnuts and Determination of Their Mycotoxin

Abstract To analyze natural mycoflora of hazelnuts in Sulaimani province Iraq, this study conducted by collecting 33 (27 raw hazelnut kernel and 6 paste) samples determine their mycotoxin. Polyphasic approach consisting morphological examination molecular characterization based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (species specific PCR) was performed fungi identification. For the incidence aflatoxins (AFs) were analyzed ELISA technique. The results show that 20 sample (60.6%) (18 2 contaminated with three main genera fungi, namely Aspergillus, Penicillium, Rhizopusin. From A. flavus parasiticus dominant. In AFs analysis, detected all (100%) these various level ranged from 9.9 to 10.7 µg kg −1 for 10.2 13.9 paste samples. AF contamination them exceeded legal limits set EC. Investigations aflatoxin quantification fungus more number must be ensure safety such kinds food.