Screening of Fungi and Mycotoxins Associated with Stored Rice Grains in Himachal Pradesh

ABSTRACT: The present paper explores fungi and mycotoxins associated with rice grains during storage. Total 25 rice samples collected from different locations of district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh were analysed. All the samples were found contaminated with one or more fungal genera like Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Curvularia, Cladosporium and Alternaria. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated with highest frequency and density. After mycotoxins analysis only Afaltoxins B1 and B2 were detected in about 72 % samples. Presence of Afaltoxins B1 was reported in 28 % samples while B2 in 48%. The present study suggests that detection of fungi and aflatoxins poses a risk for consumer’s health and it is necessary to check the rice grains before allowing distribution for public use.