Which of the following secretes toxins during storage conditions of crop plants?
- Aspergillus
- Penicillium
- Fusarium
- Colletotrichum
Answer
(1) Aspergillus
Solution
Aspergillus (e.g. A. flavus, A. parasiticus) grows on stored grains, groundnuts and other crop produce kept in warm and moist conditions.
⇒ It secretes aflatoxins, which are highly toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins.
∵ Fusarium and Colletotrichum are mainly field pathogens (wilts, anthracnose) of growing plants.
∴ Aspergillus secretes toxins during storage of crop plants.
Answer: (1)