Identification of Fungal Genus and Detection of Aflatoxin Level in Second Crop Corn Grain

This study was carried out to determine post harvest mycoflora and establish the presence of aflatoxin in second crop corn after harvest in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. During the study, total of thirty corn samples were collected from Turkoglu, Pazarcik, Narli countries in 2005-2006 growing season. Most of the samples tested in this study came from neighboring villages to Kahramanmaras and from Turkoglu county. Mold counts per sample were ranged from 1x105-1x107. Significantly higher number of mold counts (1x107) were obtained in a sample came from Turkoglu. Through, this study, incidence of Penicillum sp. was significantly higher than Fusarium and Aspergillus sp. total of 28 corn samples were tested for the presence of aflatoxin B1. Of the samples, 12 were >5 ppb. Aflatoxin levels were ranged from 7.70-108.86 ppb. Of total 28 samples, 9 were >9 ppb for total aflatoxin although, total aflatoxin levels were ranged from 14.03-116.72. In summary, 43% of samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 although, 32% of samples were contaminated with total aflatoxin.