Effect of different culture media on the pathogenicity of Aspergillus flavus in fig fruits

Abstract

Aspergillus flavus is a fungus that infects various foods, including fig. Different culture media have been used for their isolation and growth. The objective of this research was to evaluate the pathogenicity of A. flavus grown in different culture media on fig fruit. A. flavus was incubated in 5 culture media (CZAPEK, V8 agar, PDA, Sabouraud Dextrose, and Malt Agar) and of these, two spore suspensions were performed (1 x 104 and 1 x 105 Esp mL-1). The figs were inoculated and the percentages of infection and severity were evaluated. The strain developed in CZAPEK medium (1 x 104 Esp mL-1) was the one that generated the highest percentage of infection (64%), however, it was statistically similar to the PDA and Malt Agar (53 and 51%, respectively). The PDA medium strain (1 x 104 Esp mL-1) showed greater severity (2.4) and was statistically similar to the evaluated means, with the exception of V8 agar. The figs inoculated with the V8 agar strain (1 x 104 Esp mL-1) had the lowest percentage of infection (24%) and severity (1.64), being statistically different from the rest of the treatments. Strains of A. flavus incubated in CZAPEK and PDA had higher pathogenicity in the fig fruit.