Aspergillus parasiticus
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Author: Joseph Atehnkeng/IITA
Source: Flickr
Aspergillus parasiticus Speare 1912
The fungus is found on various crops and stored products, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, where it is common in the soil. On maize, it can infest stalks and ears. It is also commonly associated with groundnuts and since most strains produce aflatoxins, it can become a serious problem in groundnut products. A. parasiticus can produce the aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2. Aflatoxins are very potent carcinogens and are also hepatotoxic and immunosuppressive. Many strains form sclerotia. Conidia and sclerotia can survive in the soil for 3 years and are involved in the dispersal of the fungus. Conidia are spherical, about 5-8 µm in diameter.
A. parasiticus is closely related to Aspergillus flavus and belongs to Aspergillus section Flavi. Both species can be found together at about similar densities. In contrast to A. flavus, A. parasiticus has darker green conidial heads, more pronounced conidium ornamentation and produces aflatoxin G. The sexual stage of A. parasiticus has been described only from laboratory cultures.
Synonyms:
Petromyces parasiticus
