Occurrence of aflatoxin in peanut flower in the region araraquarense, in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

In the present work, the occurrence of aflatoxins B and G, as well as a possible correlation between both were studied in 56 samples of peanut flower from 9 oil mills of the region Araraquarense, in the State of São Paulo. The samples were obtained in four collections representing material from two crops in two different seasons: March and May in the rainy season and July and September in the dry season. From the results it was concluded that: a) the occurrence of aflatoxin was generalized in that region, for all the samples were toxic; b) the toxicity level was found to be very high (figures from 0.1 to 20.0 ppm) being higher in the rainy season - average of 4.55 ppm, against 2.40 ppm in the dry season; c) it was considered that only 16.07% of the material examined could be utilized for admixturing in feedstuffs; d) it was observed a high yield of aflatoxins G, being higher than B in six samples; e) it was found a positive correlation, statistically significant, in the production of the aflatoxins B and G.