Effect of γ irradiation on fungal load and aflatoxins reduction in red chillies

Chillies are a very important cash crop of Pakistan. The effects of gamma irradiation on microbial load, aflatoxin B-1 (AFB(1)) and total aflatoxins have been studied in chillies samples, collected from different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Aflatoxins were analyzed using HPLC equipped with a fluorescence detector. The results revealed that among the Aspergillus species isolated, those belonging to section parasiticus were predominant. Gamma radiations of doses 2, 4 and 6 kGy were employed on fungi and chilli samples. The results have demonstrated that the dose of 6 kGy reduced the fungal load by 5 logs. Furthermore, 6 kGy reduced the level of AFB(1) and total AFs in ground and whole chillies by 1-2 logs (alpha < 0.05). (C) 2012 Elsevier. Ltd. All rights reserved.