Author(s): Naheel F. Dajani, Rashad M. Natour, Abdulazim S. Salhab and Adel Mahasneh
Article publication date: 1990-08-01
Vol. 8 No. 2 (yearly), pp. 119-127.
170
Keywords
Jordan, Zearalenone, fungi
Abstract
Zearalenone and zearalenone producing fungi were sought in 326 feed samples of 12 different types of cereals and animal feedstuffs collected from different localities in Jordan during March 1986 to April 1987. Some tested samples harboured zearalenone with a concentration range of 0.9- 3.5 ppm. In commercially prepared animal feedstuffs and feed concentrates used for sheep, fish, layers, poultry and cows, zearalenone was detected at a level of 0.47- 4.0 ppm. On the basis of microscopic and morphological identification, 77 isolates of the Fusarium spp. were obtained. Eleven representative isolates were identified and confirmed by the Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, England. The isolates belonged to Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon and Fusarium moniliforme var. inter. Thirty seven of the mentioned Fusarium isolates were examined for their ability to produce zearalenone under laboratory conditions and only 9 (25.7%) produced zearalenone at an average level of 0.78 ppm.