Natural aflatoxin uptake by sugarcane (Saccharum officinaurum L.) and its persistence in jaggery

The present study focused on aflatoxin (AF) uptake
by sugarcanes from contaminated soils, and its persistence in
jaggery. Analysis of 25 agricultural soil samples from sugarcane
growing fields revealed that 80 % were found contaminated
with AF ranging from 0.5 to 22 ppb and all samples
harbored aflatoxigenic fungi. Forty percent of the juices extracted
from sugarcane grown in contaminated soil recorded
AF ranging from 1.0 to 9.5 ppb. Conversely, jaggery prepared
from those samples was almost free from AF. Further, greenhouse
experiment confirms the AF uptake ability of sugarcane
plants. Analysis of sugarcane juice and jaggery collected from
local vendor showed 21 % (0.5 to 6.5 ppb) and 5.6 % (0.5–
1.0 ppb) of AF contamination, respectively. Aflatoxigenic
Aspergillus flavus strain was evaluated for their ability to grow
and produce AF on jaggery medium. At 14th day after inoculation,
decreased concentration of AF was recorded in jaggery
medium ranging from 0 to 120 mg jaggery/ml, above
which AF was absent though the fungal growth was noted.
From the results, it could be concluded that sugarcane plants
have the ability to uptake AF from contaminated soil, but AF
was reduced during jaggery preparation. Also, higher concentration
of jaggery was inhibitory to AF production.