| Popis: |
The exceptional hot weather conditions in Italy during the summer of 2003 resulted in an optimal environment for the development of Aspergillus section Flavi in maize and, consequently, for aflatoxin production. This caused significant contamination, above the EU legal limits, for maize destined to feed and food. This study was focused to define the distribution of these fungi in Italy for the first time. In all the sampled regions of Northern Italy, A. flavus was present. Ecological studies were conducted and this defined the cardinal conditions of water availability (0.83-0.99 aw), temperature (15-45°C) and gas composition (CO2 |
