Fifteen maize samples from four markets and processing sites in Accra, Ghan
a were analysed for fumonisins B-1, B-2, and B-3. All samples contained fum
onisins. Total fumonisin levels for 14 samples ranged from 70 to 4222 mug k
g(-1). One sample of visibly mouldy kernels contained 52 670 mug kg(-1) tot
al fumonisins. Mycological examination of the samples showed Aspergillus sp
p. as the most dominant fungi (76.4%) followed by Penicillium spp. (19.9%).
Fusarium formed 2.6% with Fusarium verticillioides as the predominant Fusa
rium species. Thirty-two Fusarium strains representing five species isolate
d from the maize samples were tested for the production of fumonisins in ma
ize substrates. From 95% (21 of 22) of the F. verticillioides strains teste
d, all three types of fumonisins were produced. Total fumonisin levels rang
ed from 127 to 11 052 mug g(-1). Additional studies on maize samples from 1
5 processing sites in Accra revealed a co-occurrence of both fumonisins and
aflatoxins in 53% (8 of 15) of the samples. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.
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