Mycobiota and mycotoxins (aflatoxins and ochratoxin) associated with some Saudi date palm fruits.

This study aimed to determine the mycological profile of the retail date fruits distributed in different markets at Taif, Saudi Arabia. The presence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A was also measured. Twenty-two fungal species belonging to 12 genera were isolated from 50 different date samples. Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Rhizopus stolonifer were the most prevalent species among isolated fungi. Eighty isolates of A. flavus and 36 of A. niger were detected for their aflatoxins and ochratoxin production potentials using thin layer chromatography. Toxicity test using Artimia larvae indicated that seven out of 18 A. flavus isolates had aflatoxins potentials, while nine out of 36 isolates of A. niger were ochratoxigenic. The quadruplex polymerase chain reaction using specific primers demonstrated the presence of four genes: nor A, ver 1, omt A, and avf A in seven A. flavus toxigenic isolates. Nine A. niger toxigenic isolates showed positive results for the presence of the PKS gene. In conclusion, the present study highlighted the potential hazards of mycotoxins on human health from consuming raw dates. Rapid molecular detection methods described here might help the food authorities to assure the safety of raw dates distributed in local markets.