Isolation and Identification of Aflatoxins from Maize (Zea mays. L) and their Biocontrol

Maize (Zea mays) is supreme major agricultural commodity throughout worldwide after rice and wheat from the point of views of production, consumption and trade. FAO estimated that 25% worlds agricultural crop is annually affected with mycotoxins contaminations. Climatic alterations effect maize production in unevenly 70 percent of maize cultivating areas. In Pakistan, economically agriculture has the principal zone from point of view from labor and population employment. The growth of agriculture sector in Pakistan is 2.67%, greater from 0.58% achieved last year. Maize yield is 6.0% have 7.236 million tonnes. It contributes in national GDP is 0.6% and in agriculture the value addition is 2.9%. In 2019-20 the cultivation of maize was 1,413 thousand hectares with 2.9% increase from last year 1,374 thousand hectares. Contamination of commodities by mycotoxins is the worldwide issue. Mycotoxin is the chief health threats for humans and animals that cause important economic damages in both developed and developing countries and also economic losses to both crop growers and traders. Among numerous mycotoxins, aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, trichothecenes (deoxynivalenoland T-2 toxin), zearalenone, and fumonisins have established greatly attention due to the high incidence and severe health effects in humans and animals. This study aimed to evaluate aflatoxin contamination in maize seeds collected from multiple districts in Punjab, Pakistan, including Faisalabad, Kahror Pakka, Jhang, Chiniot, Lodhran, Sargodha, Gojra, Sahiwal, Arifwala, Narowal, Mailsi, and Shakargarh. Seed samples were obtained from seed shops, growers, and research institutes, covering a diverse range of maize genotypes. The seeds were surface-sterilized using 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution and rinsed with sterile distilled water. Fungal isolation was performed using Malt Extract Agar (MEA), Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), and Coconut Agar Medium (CAM). Preliminary findings indicate the widespread occurrence of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, the primary producers of aflatoxins, in the collected maize samples. These results highlight the need for continuous monitoring and development of effective management strategies to mitigate mycotoxin contamination and ensure food safety.