Species Identification and Mycotoxigenic Potential of Aspergillus Section Flavi Isolated from Maize Marketed in the Metropolitan Region of Asunción, Paraguay

Zea mays var. amylacea and indurata are maize ecotypes from Paraguay. Aspergillus section Flavi is the main spoilage fungus of under storage conditions. Due to its large intraspecific genetic variability, accurate identification this fungal taxonomic group difficult. In present study, potential mycotoxigenic strains isolated Z. that marketed in metropolitan region Asunción were identified by a polyphasic approach. Based on morphological characters, 211 isolates confirmed belong Flavi. A subset 92 was as flavus mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF classified MS into chemotypes based their aflatoxins cyclopiazonic acid production. According partial sequencing ITS CaM genes, representative 38 A. confirmed. Overall, 75 (86%) characterized producers aflatoxins. The co-occurrence at least two mycotoxins (AF/ZEA, FUM/ZEA, AF/ZEA/FUM) detected for five samples (63%). Considering high mycological bioburden mycotoxin contamination, constitutes risk food safety public health requires control measures.