Correct option is D
The correct answer is: (D) Aspergillus flavus
Explanation:
Aflatoxins are toxic secondary metabolites primarily produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus and also by Aspergillus parasiticus.
These toxins contaminate a wide range of agricultural commodities, especially cereals (like maize), nuts (like groundnut), and oilseeds, particularly when stored under warm and humid conditions.
- Aflatoxins are highly carcinogenic and can cause acute poisoning, liver damage, and even death in humans and animals.
They are one of the most serious mycotoxins of concern in food safety.
Information Booster:
Aflatoxins are classified into several types: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Among these, Aflatoxin B1 is the most toxic and carcinogenic.
Regulatory bodies like FSSAI (India) and FDA (USA) set strict limits for aflatoxin content in food products.
Knowledge Booster :
Alternaria burnsii: Causes diseases in plants like leaf spot in cumin.
Fusarium graminearum: Produces trichothecenes and zearalenone, It causes head blight in wheat.
Cladosporium spp.: Commonly found as saprophytes on plant material.
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