Question

Aflatoxin toxin in groundnut is produced by _________ fungi.

• A. Phytopthora spp.
• B. Agrotis ipsilon
• C. Fusarium spp.
• D. Aspergillus flavus

Hint:

Associate the name Afla-toxin directly with its source: Aspergillus flavus toxin $\rightarrow$ Aflatoxin.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aflatoxins are a group of highly toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic mycotoxins.
They pose severe health hazards to humans and livestock and are regulated contaminants in agricultural commodities.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Groundnuts (peanuts) are highly susceptible to contamination by aflatoxins.
These toxins are produced primarily by the saprophytic molds *Aspergillus flavus* and *Aspergillus parasiticus*.
Under warm, humid conditions during growth, harvesting, or storage:
- The fungal spores germinate and invade the groundnut pods.
- As the fungus proliferates, it synthesizes secondary metabolites known as aflatoxins (primarily types B1, B2, G1, and G2).
The other options represent different organisms:
- *Phytophthora spp.* are oomycete plant pathogens responsible for diseases like late blight.
- *Agrotis ipsilon* is an insect pest (black cutworm), not a fungus.
- *Fusarium spp.* produce other mycotoxins (such as T-2 toxin, zearalenone, and fumonisins), but not aflatoxin.
Therefore, *Aspergillus flavus* is the correct producing fungus.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Aflatoxin in groundnut is produced by Aspergillus flavus.