The current research as conducted to study the natural occurrence of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins contamination in three legume seeds (i.e. beans, pea and soybean) in great Cairo governorate. The results indicated that four fungal genera were isolated from the examined seeds. These isolated fungi included Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. parasiticus, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Soybean seeds were found the higher percentage of fungal infection followed by pea and beans seeds. Aspergillus niger was the common in beans and soybean, followed by A. parasiticus. Whereas, A. parasiticus was the common in pea, followed by Fusarium spp. S. sclerotiorum was found to be the lowest in all examined seeds. On the other hand, A. parasiticus and F. moniliforme were capable to produce aflatoxins and fumonisin in significant concentrations exceed the permit levels recommended by the Egyptian authorities. The fungal infection with A. parasiticus, F. moniliforme decreased the chemical components of the tested seeds (i.e. protein, fat, carbohydrates and ash). Furthermore, moisture content was found to be a causative factor in fungal infection. It could be concluded that fungal infection of legume seeds reduced its nutritive value as well as induced a health risk for the consumer. |
