Molecular and morphological characterization of fungi isolated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Arifah F, Aini LQ, Muhibuddin A. 2023. Molecular and morphological characterization of fungi isolated from nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) in North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 441-453. Nutmeg fragrans Houtt) is one the predominant commodities Indonesia exported to EU market. However, it frequently rejected due mycotoxin (especially aflatoxin) content exceeding aflatoxin standard set by EU. The high levels were hypothesized be produced a toxigenic fungus infecting during after harvest. study aims determine identify fungal contaminants kernels provide information on types mycotoxins produced. Ten morphotypes collected Minahasa, Indonesia, grouped into four genera (Aspergillus, Lasiodiplodia, Rhizopus, Penicillium) based characters. identified, i.e., Aspergillus flavus (Groups I II), tamarii niger, aculeatus, ochraceus, Lasiodiplodia sp., Rhizopus delemar, Penicillium sp. Isolates divided two groups slight differences their colony appearances. identification using homology 18S rDNA sequences ITS regions supports except for isolates These identified as nomiae aflatoxiformans (A. autswikcii), L. theobromae, P. citrinum. maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree showed that same species clade. theobromae was most dominant type (55.61%), followed niger (23.8%) (10.53%). It first report or autswikcii kernels, no incidence previously.