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Carmen Büttner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization byFusarium spp., particularlyF. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such asF. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B1 inF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection byF. proliferatum and otherFusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominantFusarium species among the endophytic microflora wasF. oxysporum. Other frequently isolated species includedF. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum andF. equiseti. The incidence ofF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected withF. proliferatum. Further exploration of FB1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B_1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization by Fusarium spp., particularly F. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such as F. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B_1 in F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection by F. proliferatum and other Fusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominant Fusarium species among the endophytic microflora was F. oxysporum . Other frequently isolated species included F. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. equiseti . The incidence of F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected with F. proliferatum . Further exploration of FB_1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB_1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
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Untersuchungen zum endophytischen Befall von Fusarium proliferatum (Matsushima) Nirenberg in geernteten Stangen von Spargel (Asparagus officinalis L.)
Gesunde Pflanzen, 2005Co-Authors: Monika Gossmann, Sylvia Kleta, Hans-ullrich Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:This is the first report on the occurrence of endophytic fungi in Asparagus Spears during the main harvest from a German site in 2002. The data confirm the presence of Fusarium proliferatum — a potential mycotoxin producer — in harvested Asparagus Spears, but contamination with Fumonisin B1 could not be verified. Only one of the Spears infected with F. proliferatum showed visible symptoms such as grey/orange-coloured basal tissue. However, this result does not sufficiently indicate a health risk for consumers. Thus, further investigations are needed concerning the host-pathogen interaction and especially for identifying phenotypic and genotypic factors of the disease process. Erstmalig wurden mit den vorliegenden Untersuchungen Spargelstangen zur Haupterntezeit auf endophytischen Pilzbefall untersucht. Sie zeigen, dass im Ernteprodukt zwar Fusarium proliferatum als potenzieller Mykotoxinbildner zu finden ist. Eine mögliche natürliche Kontamination mit Fumonisinen bestätigte sich nicht. Von den mit F. proliferatum infizierten Stangen wies nur eine Stange mit grau-rosa-orange farbenen Gewebeveränderungen an der Basis sichtbare Symptome auf. Allgemeine Rückschlüsse auf eine mögliche Gefährdung oder Nichtgefährdung des Verbrauchers beim Verzehr von mit F. proliferatum kontaminierten, symptomlosen Stangen können aus der Analyse nicht gezogen werden. Hierzu müssen weitergehende Untersuchungen zur Wirt-Pathogen-Interaktion erfolgen und die phänotypischen und genotypischen Einflussfaktoren in diesem Prozess noch näher untersucht werden.
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Occurrence of fumonisins in Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) and garlic (allium sativum L.) from Germany.
Mycotoxin Research, 2004Co-Authors: W Seefelder, Carmen Büttner, A. Knecht, M. Goβmann, S. Kleta, Hans-ulrich HumpfAbstract:Fusarium proliferatum is able to produce fumonisins and is considered a pathogen of many economically important plants (e.g. corn, rice, Asparagus) [1]. The occurrence of fumonisin FB1 inF. proliferatum infected Asparagus Spears from Germany was investigated using a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method with isotopically labeled fumonisin FB1-d6 as internal standard. Asparagus samples were harvested in July 2000 and screened forFusarium species. AltogetherF. oxysporum, F. proliferatum and F. sambucinum were isolated from the Spears. The samples infected with F.proliferatum were subsequently analyzed for fumonisins. FB1 was detected in 9 of the 10 samples in amounts ranging from 36.4 ng/g to 4513.7 ng/g (based on dry weight). Fumonisins FB2 and FB3 were found in six samples in lower concentrations. In Asparagus Spears of June 2002 we could findF. proliferatum in 6% of the samples, however no fumonisins were detectable.
H. U. Humpf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization byFusarium spp., particularlyF. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such asF. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B1 inF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection byF. proliferatum and otherFusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominantFusarium species among the endophytic microflora wasF. oxysporum. Other frequently isolated species includedF. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum andF. equiseti. The incidence ofF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected withF. proliferatum. Further exploration of FB1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B_1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization by Fusarium spp., particularly F. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such as F. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B_1 in F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection by F. proliferatum and other Fusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominant Fusarium species among the endophytic microflora was F. oxysporum . Other frequently isolated species included F. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. equiseti . The incidence of F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected with F. proliferatum . Further exploration of FB_1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB_1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
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Occurrence of fumonisins in Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) and garlic (allium sativum L.) from Germany
Mycotoxin Research, 2004Co-Authors: W Seefelder, A. Knecht, M. Goβmann, S. Kleta, C. Büttner, H. U. HumpfAbstract:Fusarium proliferatum is able to produce fumonisins and is considered a pathogen of many economically important plants (e.g. corn, rice, Asparagus) [1]. The occurrence of fumonisin FB_1 in F. proliferatum infected Asparagus Spears from Germany was investigated using a liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) method with isotopically labeled fumonisin FB_1-d_6 as internal standard. Asparagus samples were harvested in July 2000 and screened for Fusarium species. Altogether F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum and F. sambucinum were isolated from the Spears. The samples infected with F. proliferatum were subsequently analyzed for fumonisins. FB_1 was detected in 9 of the 10 samples in amounts ranging from 36.4 ng/g to 4513.7 ng/g (based on dry weight). Fumonisins FB_2 and FB_3 were found in six samples in lower concentrations. In Asparagus Spears of June 2002 we could find F. proliferatum in 6% of the samples, however no fumonisins were detectable. Furthermore the capability of producing FB_1 by the fungus in garlic bulbs was investigated. Therefore garlic was cultured in F. proliferatum contaminated soil and the bulbs were screened for infection with F. proliferatum and for the occurrence of fumonisins by LC-MS. F. proliferatum was detectable in the garlic tissue and all samples contained FB_1 (26.0 ng/g to 94.6 ng/g). This is the first report of the natural occurrence of FB_1 in German Asparagus Spears and furthermore our findings suggest a potential for natural contamination of garlic bulbs with fumonisins. For detailed results and methods see Ref. [2].
Werner B Herppich - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Impact of Ethanol Treatment on the Chemical Properties of Cell Walls and Their Influence on Toughness of White Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears
Food and Bioprocess Technology, 2015Co-Authors: Werner B Herppich, Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin HassenbergAbstract:Toughening is the most important postharvest factor that negatively affects quality of fresh white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears. It is assumed to result from wounding-induced or developmentally regulated cell wall thickening and increased lignification of sclerenchyma sheath cells and of vascular bundle elements. Postharvest application of ethanol has been shown to be an effective disinfectant of white Asparagus Spears; it is also known to delay or inhibit plant development. The latter was tested for its potential efficacy to reduce undesired spear toughening. In this context, effects of ethanol treatment on changes in cell wall properties were investigated. Practically relevant short-term washing of Spears in 50 % ethanol solution ( v / v ) at 10 °C for 30 and 90 s reduced toughening of fresh white Asparagus Spears during 4 days of storage at approx. 20 °C. The treatment inhibited the biosynthesis of secondary cell wall structural carbohydrates (hemicellulose and cellulose) and of lignins, although to a lesser extent. Cell wall contents of pectic substances were also less affected, while the content of cell wall proteins was pronouncedly reduced by ethanol exposure. As a conclusion, practically relevant short-term washing with ethanol solution seems to be a promising approach to improve quality maintenance and safety of fresh white Asparagus Spears.
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Impact of ethanol treatment on physiological and microbiological properties of fresh white Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears
LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2014Co-Authors: Werner B Herppich, Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin HassenbergAbstract:Abstract Fresh and minimally processed white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears are very susceptible to microbial spoilage, often accompanied by changes in physiological and textural quality. To prevent economic losses and to guarantee product quality and safety, postharvest handling and processing need to be improved. New environmentally friendly and safe sanitation techniques should be introduced. This study investigates the efficacy of short-term washing in 0.5 L L −1 ethanol solution at 10 °C as disinfectant of Asparagus Spears. The prevention of microbial spoilage and treatment effects on physiological properties and value adding quality parameters such as respiration, TSS, vitamin C and water content, and texture were evaluated in fresh white Asparagus Spears in four harvest seasons. Short-term dipping immediately reduced total bacterial counts and mould loads, and retarded their growth during storage. Retardation apparently did not increase with treatment duration. Short-term (30 s) ethanol washing but not longer treatments result in lower tissue water content and less stiff Spears; it also reduced respiration and consumption of sugars. It seems to stabilize the vitamin C contents. Hence, short-term washing with ethanol is a promising approach to improve quality maintenance and safety of fresh Asparagus Spears and can be easily used in processing lines.
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Impact of postharvest UV-C and ozone treatment on textural properties of white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.)*
Journal of applied botany and food quality, 2012Co-Authors: Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin Hassenberg, Werner B HerppichAbstract:Optimization of postharvest treatments and storage requirements to reduce microbiological spoilage is essential for the food supply chain of Asparagus. In this context, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) treatments such as UV-irradiation and washing with ozonated water gain more and more importance. Information on UV-C and ozone as postharvest treatment for quality assurance of white Asparagus is scanty. In the present study, Asparagus Spears were harvested and exposed to the above mentioned treatments and their combination. The infl uence of both postharvest treatments on biomechanical and biochemical textural related cell wall metabolism was investigated. UV-C-irradiation and washing with ozonated water resulted in a slight reduced respiration in white Asparagus Spears, but increase in spear tissue toughness. Total cell wall compounds were only tendentiously reduced after 4 days of shelf-life at 20 °C by application of aqueous ozone and UV-C. However, the dosages used in this experiment were relatively low and, hence, did not have pronounced effects. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of UV-C and ozone mediated changes in textural related enzyme activities of white Asparagus Spears have to be investigated in more detail.
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Cell wall biochemistry and biomechanics of harvested white Asparagus shoots as affected by temperature
Annals of Applied Biology, 2008Co-Authors: Werner B Herppich, Susanne Huyskens-keilAbstract:The effects of temperature on the dynamics of changes in shoot mechanical properties, cell wall components, relevant soluble sugars and respiration activity of harvested white Asparagus Spears were investigated during a 7-day storage period. All functional cell wall components of Asparagus Spears increased closely temperature dependent. The content of soluble glucose declined with a similar temporal dynamics and to a comparable degree, indicating a major carbon flow of this storage sugar into cell walls (60-70%). Irrespective of temperature, the contents of stored soluble fructose and sucrose remained more or less constant. Lower temperatures reduced cell wall development but do not significantly affect the relative carbon flow from storage sugars into cell walls or maintenance respiration. Compared with cell walls, maintenance respiration is by far the smaller carbon sink in stored Asparagus Spears. Temperature differentially affects the absolute amount and the relative contribution of the different cell wall components and the temporal dynamics of changes in structural carbohydrate and lignin content. At higher temperatures, secondary cell wall thickening resulted mainly from a large increase in cellulose content. The pronounced increase in the fractions of cellulose and especially lignin may stress the important role of lignin in cell wall strengthening. While the fraction of cell wall proteins decreased, those of hemicellulose and the pectic components were not influenced.
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Textural properties and cell wall metabolism of white Asparagus Spears (Asparagus officinalis L.) during postharvest
Acta Horticulturae, 2005Co-Authors: S. Huvskens-keil, R. Kadau, Werner B HerppichAbstract:Texture is one of the predominant quality requirements for fresh Asparagus Spears and serves as an indicator of product quality and acceptability. The dynamics and interaction between mechanical characteristics of textural properties, water status and cell wall compounds were investigated in white Asparagus Spears during short-time storage at different storage temperatures. The apparent elastic modulus E and dynamic stiffness S, both describing the elastic properties of Asparagus Spears, showed similar patterns for all temperatures. Both parameters declined at storage temperatures of 0°C and 20°C, whereas they remained almost constant at 5°C and 10°C. These changes were found to be associated with the pressure potential, which tended to increase during storage at the lower temperatures. Moreover, these changes were accompanied by an increase in water insoluble pectic substances. Cutting force (N), which reflects tissue strength of Asparagus Spears, declined at all storage temperatures. However, the decline was more pronounced after four days of storage at 0°C and 5°C. The decline in firmness correlated with the increasing water potential and with a decrease in the EDTA soluble pectin fraction. These results may indicate a loss of tissue integrity (Ca is released from the pectin bridges) which might have led to a lower tissue strength accompanied by a highly turgescent tissue in Asparagus Spears during short-time storage.
Karin Hassenberg - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Impact of Ethanol Treatment on the Chemical Properties of Cell Walls and Their Influence on Toughness of White Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears
Food and Bioprocess Technology, 2015Co-Authors: Werner B Herppich, Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin HassenbergAbstract:Toughening is the most important postharvest factor that negatively affects quality of fresh white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears. It is assumed to result from wounding-induced or developmentally regulated cell wall thickening and increased lignification of sclerenchyma sheath cells and of vascular bundle elements. Postharvest application of ethanol has been shown to be an effective disinfectant of white Asparagus Spears; it is also known to delay or inhibit plant development. The latter was tested for its potential efficacy to reduce undesired spear toughening. In this context, effects of ethanol treatment on changes in cell wall properties were investigated. Practically relevant short-term washing of Spears in 50 % ethanol solution ( v / v ) at 10 °C for 30 and 90 s reduced toughening of fresh white Asparagus Spears during 4 days of storage at approx. 20 °C. The treatment inhibited the biosynthesis of secondary cell wall structural carbohydrates (hemicellulose and cellulose) and of lignins, although to a lesser extent. Cell wall contents of pectic substances were also less affected, while the content of cell wall proteins was pronouncedly reduced by ethanol exposure. As a conclusion, practically relevant short-term washing with ethanol solution seems to be a promising approach to improve quality maintenance and safety of fresh white Asparagus Spears.
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Impact of ethanol treatment on physiological and microbiological properties of fresh white Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears
LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2014Co-Authors: Werner B Herppich, Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin HassenbergAbstract:Abstract Fresh and minimally processed white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.) Spears are very susceptible to microbial spoilage, often accompanied by changes in physiological and textural quality. To prevent economic losses and to guarantee product quality and safety, postharvest handling and processing need to be improved. New environmentally friendly and safe sanitation techniques should be introduced. This study investigates the efficacy of short-term washing in 0.5 L L −1 ethanol solution at 10 °C as disinfectant of Asparagus Spears. The prevention of microbial spoilage and treatment effects on physiological properties and value adding quality parameters such as respiration, TSS, vitamin C and water content, and texture were evaluated in fresh white Asparagus Spears in four harvest seasons. Short-term dipping immediately reduced total bacterial counts and mould loads, and retarded their growth during storage. Retardation apparently did not increase with treatment duration. Short-term (30 s) ethanol washing but not longer treatments result in lower tissue water content and less stiff Spears; it also reduced respiration and consumption of sugars. It seems to stabilize the vitamin C contents. Hence, short-term washing with ethanol is a promising approach to improve quality maintenance and safety of fresh Asparagus Spears and can be easily used in processing lines.
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Impact of postharvest UV-C and ozone treatment on textural properties of white Asparagus ( Asparagus officinalis L.)*
Journal of applied botany and food quality, 2012Co-Authors: Susanne Huyskens-keil, Karin Hassenberg, Werner B HerppichAbstract:Optimization of postharvest treatments and storage requirements to reduce microbiological spoilage is essential for the food supply chain of Asparagus. In this context, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) treatments such as UV-irradiation and washing with ozonated water gain more and more importance. Information on UV-C and ozone as postharvest treatment for quality assurance of white Asparagus is scanty. In the present study, Asparagus Spears were harvested and exposed to the above mentioned treatments and their combination. The infl uence of both postharvest treatments on biomechanical and biochemical textural related cell wall metabolism was investigated. UV-C-irradiation and washing with ozonated water resulted in a slight reduced respiration in white Asparagus Spears, but increase in spear tissue toughness. Total cell wall compounds were only tendentiously reduced after 4 days of shelf-life at 20 °C by application of aqueous ozone and UV-C. However, the dosages used in this experiment were relatively low and, hence, did not have pronounced effects. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of UV-C and ozone mediated changes in textural related enzyme activities of white Asparagus Spears have to be investigated in more detail.
M. Goßmann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization byFusarium spp., particularlyF. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such asF. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B1 inF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection byF. proliferatum and otherFusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominantFusarium species among the endophytic microflora wasF. oxysporum. Other frequently isolated species includedF. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum andF. equiseti. The incidence ofF. proliferatum-infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected withF. proliferatum. Further exploration of FB1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
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Spargelstangenuntersuchungen zur Haupterntezeit auf Infektionen mitFusarium spp. und Kontaminationen mit Fumonisin B_1
Mycotoxin Research, 2008Co-Authors: M. Goßmann, F. Beran, G. Bedlan, A. Plenk, S. Hamedinger, R. Öhlinger, H. U. Humpf, Carmen BüttnerAbstract:Asparagus Spears collected from a total of six commercial plantings in Austria during the main harvest periods in May and June of 2003 and 2004 were examined for endophytic colonization by Fusarium spp., particularly F. proliferatum. Potentially toxigenic fungi such as F. proliferatum were isolated and identified by morphological characteristics using light microscopy. Fumonisin B_1 in F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was detected with IAS-HPLC-FLD or HPLC-MS/MS. The identity of endophytic fungi colonizing of a total of 816 individual Spears was determined. The incidence of infection by F. proliferatum and other Fusarium spp. was highly dependent on location and sampling date. The dominant Fusarium species among the endophytic microflora was F. oxysporum . Other frequently isolated species included F. proliferatum, F. sambucinum, F. culmorum, F. avenaceum and F. equiseti . The incidence of F. proliferatum -infected Asparagus Spears was less than 10% at four of the six sampling locations. At the two remaining locations, 20–47% of the Spears examined were infected with F. proliferatum . Further exploration of FB_1 generation in Asparagus is required because the low levels of FB_1 (10–50 (μg/kg) detected in harvested Spears in 2003 and 2004 cannot be explained by the results of this study.
