Citrinin production by Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841 and Penicilliun citrinum MTCC 2547 under laboratory conditions

The effect of moisture, temperature and incubation periods on citrinin production in maize and rice by Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841 and Penicillium citrinum MTCC 2547 was studied. The highest production of citrinin (1.875 g/kg maize) by Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841 was recorded at 30% moisture and 30°C temperature, whereas in case of Penicillium citrinum MTCC 2547, highest citrinin production (0.990 g/kg maize) was recored at 25% moisture and 30°C temperature on 21 days of incubation. On rice substrate, the maximum production of citrinin (1.125 g/kg rice) by Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841 was obtained at 35% moisture and 30°C temperature on 21 days of incubation period, whereas in case of Penicillium citrinum MTCC 2547, highest yield of citrinin (0.935 g/kg rice) was obtained at 30% moisture and 25°C temperature on 28 days of incubation. The mycotoxigenic potential of Penicillium citrinum NRRL 1841 was found to be higher as compared to Penicillium citrinum MTCC 2547. The maximum yield of citrinin was obtained between 25 and 35% moisture and 25 to 35°C temperature on 21 or 28 days of incubation period.