October 2024
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Background: The problem of mycotoxins in wheat crops can lead to health issues for humans and animals. It is very important to find safe and efficient methods to prevent the growth of toxin-producing fungi or reduce and remove them from food to prevent their risks to humans, animals, and agricultural crops. The paper focuses on finding environmentally friendly materials to protect wheat grains from toxin-secreting fungi, particularly Aspergillus niger, reducing the production of aflatoxin B1.Methods: Eight fungal genera were isolated from wheat grain samples, and the most frequent fungus was A. niger. Plant extracts were used to reduce the growth of A. niger, and the culture media was used to test the ability of A. niger fungus isolates to produce aflatoxin toxins. The media was also used to sow wheat grains for the purpose of isolating the fungi associated with them, growing the fungi, and purifying it. The culture media was poured into sterile petri dishes with a diameter of 9 cm, with three replicates for each concentration, and the comparison treatment in which an untreated food media was used. Results: The paper found that A. niger was the frequent fungus among the isolated fungal genera in wheat grain samples. The plant extracts, particularly citrullus extract, showed a clear effect in inhibiting the growth of A. niger and reduced the AFB1 toxin that it produces. The paper recommends continuous examination of stored wheat grains to determine the amount of fungal contamination and to ensure good storage conditions before receiving the grains in grain stores.Conclusion: The paper aimed to detect fungi associated with local and imported wheat grains stored in the stores of Al-Muthanna Governorate and the possibility of reducing them by using some plant extracts. Keywords: Citrullus; Phylex; Aspergillus niger; AFB1