engleski

Survey of the presence of ochratoxigenic fungi in vineyards in Northern Dalmatia

The long tradition of wine production in Dalmatia started during the Roman empire. Today in northern part of Dalmatia the production of high quality wine is becoming ever more important activity. Due to the geographic position and climatic conditions one of the possible treats for wine industry in the region is contamination with ochratoxin A (OTA). To evaluate the risk and plan the appropriate prevention, in June and early September of 2016 and 2017 were taken the samples of soil as well as of leafs and buries of red grapes (variety Merlot) in 4 vineyards, different for position, cultivation methods, microclimatic and pedological conditions, in Zadar county. From the samples the present mycoflora was isolated and morphologically determined. All potential OTA producers, black and yellow Aspergilli, were tested for the production of the toxin. The ochratoxigenic strains were isolated in all four vineyards, but their occurrence was low. From 4256 isolated fungal species, about 10% were determined as potential OTA producers and only 0.7% of total strains resulted ochratoxigenic. There were no significant differences in results among the vineyards. All confirmed producers were determined as Aspergillus carbonarius (Bainier) Thom. Even if the presence of ochratoxigenic strains in vineyards was confirmed, the analysis of most and wine produced in those vineyards in those years showed no traces of OTA. The results indicate that, to maintain the OTA free wine the grape growers and wine producers in the region should pay attention and applicate all the appropriate measures to prevent the phenomenon.

ochratoxin A, wine,

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