Detection of Ochratoxigenic Potential in some Aspergillus and Penicillium Isolates from Vineyard Soil, Fresh and Dried Grapes by ELISA

Several species of Aspergillus and Penicillium were isolated and identified from samples of vineyard soil, fresh grape berries and dried vine fruits collected from grapevine nursery and shops in Duhok province. The ochratoxigenic potential of some of their strains was evaluated by ELISA technique. Ochratoxin A (OA) was detected in cultures of two species of section Nigri (A.carbonarius and A.niger aggreg.), two species of Aspergillus section Circumdati (A.ochraceus and A.westerdijkia) and one species of OA was found at levels from 0.64 to 0.72 ng ml in A.carbonarius isolates, from 0.64 to 0.66 ng ml in A.niger aggreg. isolates, from 0.23 to 0.65 ng ml in A.ochraceus isolates and 0.40 ngml in A.westterdijkia isolate, whereas the level was from 0.61 to 0.64 ngml in Penicillium verrucosum. . Aspergillus section Nigri ELISA. Aspergillus section Circumdati (A.ochraceus (A.carbonarius A.niger aggreg.), .Penicillium (P.verrucosum A.westerdijkiae A.niger 0.64 / - 0.72 A.carbonarius 0.23 - 0.65 A.ochraceus 0.64 / - 0.66 aggreg. 0.61 / - 0.40 / - 0.64 A.westerdijkiaie .Penicillium verrucosum