Natural Occurrence of HT-2 and T-2 Toxin and Its Production of F. armeniacum Isolated in Rice

Introduction: T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin are mycotoxins of the group trichothecenes type A produced by the Fusarium genus which are commonly found in various cereal crops. T-2-and HT-2 toxin often occur together in infected cereals and their contamination of human foods and animal feeds is a continuing worldwide problem. 

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to illustrate the mycotoxin production of causal fungus associated with natural occurrence of T-2 and HT-2 toxin in rice.

Methods: Identification and incidence of T-2 toxin producing Fusarium armeniacum isolates and natural occurrence of T-2 toxin and HT-2 toxin in 2012–2013 rice grains collected in Korea. Mycotoxins produced by the Fusarium isolates and rice grain samples were detected with LC-MS.

Results: HT-2 toxin only was found in polished rice sample with 0.02 ppb (n=1) in 2012 and unpolished 0.1 ppb (n=4), brown 0.1-0.2 ppb (n=2), polished 0.1-0.2 ppb (n=3) in 2013. F. armeniacum isolated from grain samples contaminated with HT-2 toxin. In total 526 Fusarium isolates, F. armeniacum was 50 isolates. To investigate mycotoxin production of these isolates (n=15) were cultured in rice grain for 21days. T-2 and HT-2 toxin of these isolates were detected with 173.6-414.9 ppm, 42.0–76.0 ppm.

Significance: Our study suggest that trichothecene A type in rice will be problem depend on environmental condition in Korea. The further study on monitoring Fusarium contamination and natural occurrence of mycotoxin should be continued.