Colonization of Aspergillus carbonarius and accumulation of ochratoxin Aa in Vitis vinifera, Vitis labrusca, and hybrid grapes - research on the most promising alternatives for organic viticulture

摘要

BACKGROUND Aspergillus carbonarius has been identified as one of the main fungi that produce ochratoxin A (OTA) in grapes. This nephrotoxic mycotoxin has been legislated against in several countries and is a major concern for viticulture. Knowledge of resistance to, or susceptibility to, colonization by A. carbonarius may be useful in selecting the most promising cultivars for organic agriculture and could help in preventing fungal contamination in vineyards. This study aimed to evaluate the colonization potential and the capacity to produce OTA by A. carbonarius in Vitis vinifera, V. labrusca, and hybrid grapes. The correlation between OTA levels and grape berry characteristics was also analyzed.