Journal of Plant Pathology (2006) 88, p. S59 (Spadaro et al.)

D. Spadaro, A. Ciavorella, A. Garibaldi and M.L. Gullino (2006)
Occurrence of patulin, a mycotoxin produced by Penicillium expansum, in apple juices marketed in Italy
Journal of Plant Pathology 88 (3, Special Issue), S59-S59
S.I.Pa.V XIII National Meeting - Foggia, 12-16 September 2006 - Poster
Abstract: Patulin is a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of blue mould of apples. This pathogen is generally associated with damaged fruit or fruit already infected by other microorganisms in the orchard as well as in postharvest conditions. A survey for the occurrence of patulin was conducted in 2005 analyzing commercial pure and mixed apple juices marketed in Italy. The study was undertaken to investigate the possible influence of the agro-food production process employed (conventional or organic), of the fruit percentage in the commercial product (higher or lower than 50%), and of the type of apple juice (clear or cloudy) on the occurrence and level of patulin contamination. Patulin could be quantified in 34.8% of the samples, their mean levels being significantly lower in mixed than in pure apple juices and in juices with low than high fruit percentage. Levels of patulin contamination were comparable in clear and cloudy juices. A similar incidence of positive samples was found in conventional and organic apple-based juices, and the mean contamination level, although higher in organic than in conventional juices, was not statistically significant.
Database assignments for author(s): Davide Spadaro

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Penicillium expansum	Apple (Malus)