The Department of Ecology at the College of Science, University of Basra, organized a seminar on the diversity and spread of contaminating fungi in certain types of nuts and their secretion of mycotoxins. The seminar, presented by Master's student Saja Akab Yousef, aimed to explain the prevalence of fungal species on the studied types of nuts and their ability to secrete mycotoxins, which have negative health and economic impacts.
The seminar addressed the appearance of a significant number of fungal species, indicating clear contamination in nuts, especially with the emergence of multiple species capable of secreting mycotoxins. The seminar recommended conducting periodic tests to detect fungal contamination, particularly in nuts stored or displayed for sale for extended periods, and improving transportation and marketing practices while avoiding exposing nuts to moisture.
