Mycotoxin production and postharvest storage rot of ginger (Zingiber officinale) by Penicillium brevicompactum.

Twenty naturally infected ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes displaying visible mold growth were examined to identify the fungi and to evaluate the presence of fungal secondary metabolites. Penicillium brevicompactum was the predominant species isolated from 85% of the samples. Mycophenolic acid was identified from corresponding tissue extracts. Because mycophenolic acid is a potent immunosuppressant and synergistic mycotoxicosis studies involving human consumption have not been carried out on this metabolite, spoilage of commercially marketed produce caused by P. brevicompactum is a concern. This is the first reported occurrence of mycophenolic acid in commercially sold plant food products.