Aflatoxin contamination of sorghum seeds during storage under controlled conditions.

Aflatoxins were estimated in two sorghum seed varieties (CSH-9 and AJ 140) collected in India and stored at three different temperature and humidity levels showed 20 degrees C and 73.5% relative humidity (RH) to be safe storage conditions. A maximum aflatoxin level was observed at 31 degrees C and 81.0% RH. Though the fungus grew well at 40 degrees C and all the humidity levels tested aflatoxin production was comparatively lower but reached hazardous level after 5 months of storage. Though all four aflatoxins were detected in both the seed samples, aflatoxin B1 and aflatoxin G1 were most predominant.