Fusarium species affect our lives in several areas. In agriculture Fusarium is known to cause diseases of many economically important crop plants. Some species are known to colonize stored cereal grains not only causing losses but also producing mycotoxins such as trichothecenes, zearalenone, and fumonisins that are harmful to humans and animals(1, 3). In the […]
Search Results for: Fusarium
Fusarium
Fusarium species exist as plant pathogens or saprophytes on plant debris and in soil. Plant parasitic Fusarium causes wilting of many plants including crops such as tomatoes, bananas, sweet potatoes, pigeon peas, and pears. Some species of Fusarium are commonly isolated from seeds, especially those of cereals. In addition, this common species of fungus can […]
Water Activity Requirements For Mold Growth
Definition of Water Activity Water activity (aw) refers to “free” water available for microbial growth. For microbial growth to occur, moisture must be freely available. The water activity of a material determines which types of mold would grow on that material. Technically, the water activity is defined as the ratio of the vapour pressure exerted […]
What is Aspergillus fumigatus?
Aspergillus fumigatus is a thermotolerant/thermophilic fungus capable of growing over a wide temperature range (12°C–53°C). It has a worldwide distribution. Being thermotolerant, it is a significant component of compost microflora. Health effects associated with Aspergillus fumigatus The spores of Aspergillus fumigatus are very small. Having a diameter of 2–3.5 µm, they are easily inhaled deep […]
Mold Spores In Air And Health Issues
Mold spores are tiny structures produced by molds for the purpose of reproduction, i.e., they are “seeds” but unlike the plant seeds mold spores do not contain a preformed empryo. Health Effects Associated With Mold Spores Mold spores are common in household and workplace dust. Also, due to their light weight, mold spores are often […]
