THE OCCURRENCE OF INSECTS AND FUNGI, AND AFLATOXIN B CONTAMINATION OF STORED SORGHUM IN DEMAK AND WONOGIRI REGENCIES, CENTRAL JAVA

The objectives of this study were to collect informations on the method of postharvesthandling of sorghum and to investigate the moisture contents, insects infestation, fungalinfection, and aflatoxin B contents of stored sorghum grains collected from various stagesof the delivery chain in Demak and Wonogiri regencies, Central Java. In Demak regencysorghum cultivation was monoculture, variety cultivated was UPC-S1. In Wonogiri regencysorghum cultivation was intercropping with secondary crop and cassava. Sorghum varietiescultivated were Kawali, Numbu, ZH30, Mandau and Hibrida hybrids. There was a differencebetween the method of postharvest handling of sorghum at farmer and collector levels inDemak andWonogiri regencies. In general the method of postharvest handling of sorghum inDemak regency was more appropriate and more advance compared to that in Wonogiriregency. The moisture contents of sorghum at farmer as well as at collector level in Demakregency (13.0%) and Wonogiri regency (12.9%) were still lower that that of normal (safe)moisture content of sorghum. The number of insect species associated with sorghum invarious distribution level in Demak andWonogiri regencies was 10 and 17 species, respectively.The dominant insects species were and . The number offungal species found in sorghum at various distribution level in Demak andWonogiri regencieswas 23 species, respectively. In general, the dominant fungal species were ,and . In Demak regency aflatoxin B contents of sorghum atfarmer and collector levels were 22.50 and 15.45 ppb, respectively, while in Wonogiri regency2.27 and 10.28 ppb, respectively.insects, fungi, aflatoxin B , stored sorghum, Demak and Wonogiri regencies,Central Jav

Assessment of the Quality of Arabica Coffee Beans from Three Processing Methods and Two Types of Packaging Materials

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia is the second highest-producing country of coffee beans after Vietnam. Consequently, Indonesia competes with other countries in producing good quality coffee beans. However, not many people have sufficient skills in tackling problems related to the postharvest handling of these coffee beans. The objective of this study was to assess the quality of Arabica coffee (Coffea arabica) beans in terms of moisture content, fungal infection (especially ochratoxin A or OTA producing fungi), OTA contamination, and the taste of the coffee during storage. The three processing methods used were dry, wet, and semi-wet methods. The beans were packed using two types of packaging materials, i.e. Kantong Semar high gas barrier and polypropylene bags (4 kg/bag). They were then stored under warehouse conditions during 4 months of storage. The moisture content of coffee beans processed using the three methods and packed using polypropylene bags was higher than that of coffee beans packed using Kantong Semar high gas barrier; however, it was still lower than the safe moisture content for coffee determined by the Indonesian National Standard (12.5%). Aspergillus niger was found in coffee processed using the three methods and packed using a Kantong Semar high gas barrier. Its population was relatively low (< 0.1 x 10 cfu/g wet basis). Aspergillus ochraceus was found in coffee processed using dry and wet methods at the beginning of storage. Its population was also relatively low (< 0.3 x 10 cfu/g w.b. OTA content was not detected in all coffee samples, because it was lower than the detection limit of the instrument used (< 1.85 ppb). At the beginning of the storage, all coffee samples were dominated by yeast with the population of 1.9 x 102 – 1.2 x 103 cfu/g w.b. The taste of coffee in various treatments during 4 months of storage was still above the total standard score for specialty grade ≥ 80. The highest total score (84) was found in coffee beans processed using a dry method and packed in Kantong Semar high gas barrier. The three processing methods and the two types of packaging materials can be used to maintain the quality of coffee beans during 4 months of storage.   Keywords: Arabica coffee beans, processing methods, quality, types of packaging material

STORED COCOA BEANS QUALITY AFFECTED BY FERMENTATION AND EPHESTIA CAUTELLA WALKER (LEPIDOPTERA: PHYCITIDAE) INFESTATION

The effects of fermentation on Ephestia cautella population and cocoa beans quality in terms of moisture content, fungal population, the percentage of insect-damaged and mouldy beans, lipid and free fatty acid contents during storage were investigated together with the effects of £. cautella infestation on the quality of stored cocoa beans and weight loss. Fermented and unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% were placed in ventilated plastic jars (Ikg/jar) and stored for 6 months under room conditions. Seven larvae of £. cautella instar IV (2 males and 5 females) were introduced in each jar at the beginning of storage. Untreated jars contained only cocoa beans. Population of £. cautella on fermented cocoa beans with either initial moisture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The population either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 7% was lower than that of 9%, and the population of all treatments increased during storage. Moisture content of all treatments either on cocoa beans with initial moisture contents of 7 or 9% had the same pattern. The percentage of insect-damaged beans on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented cocoa beans after 5 to 6 months of storage. The damaged beans on fermented cocoa after 6 months of storage was not different than on unfermented beans after 4 months of storage. The weight loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans with initial moisture content of 9% was higher than that with initial moisture content of 7%. The weight loss on fermented cocoa beans either with moisture content of 7 or 9% was lower than that on unfermented beans during storage. The weight loss either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans increased during storage. The percentage of mouldy beans on cocoa infested with £. cautella tended to increase during storage, while on beans not infested with the insect it fluctuated during storage. The highest percentage of mouldy beans was on unfermented and infested cocoa beans. Twenty-one fungal species were isolated from all treatments of cocoa beans during storage. The total fungal population on fermented and unfermented beans had the same pattern. The population on fermented cocoa beans was lower than that on unfermented beans. Total l ipid content on fermented cocoa beans either infested or not with £. cautella having initial moisture content of 7 or 9%, was lower than that of unfermented beans. The content either on fermented or unfermented cocoa beans and either infested or not decreased during storage. Free fatty acid content on cocoa beans infested with £.  cautella was higher and significantly different than that on not infested. The content for both types increased during storage. Key Words :   Cocoa beans / Fermentation / Ephestia cautella I Moisture content / Fungal population / Insect-damaged beans / Mouldy beans / Lipid / Free fatty acid

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Aspergillus flavus TOXIGENICITY IN AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES IN INDONESIA

Toxigenic Aspergillus flavus is a primary producer of aflatoxin in Indonesia, and its presence can lead to the contamination of agricultural commodities. This contamination poses a risk to export-targeted commodities, potentially resulting in their rejection. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the molecular profile of nativeA. flavus isolated from several Indonesian agricultural products, with a major focus on its toxigenicity and toxin production. A total of 18 A. flavus collections were isolated from nutmeg, ground peanut, cacao, coffee bean, corn, white pepper, and soil peanut plantation. Species identification was carried out using molecular and morphological approaches. The toxigenicity of isolates was characterized based on the amplification of aflatoxin gene clusters, while toxin production was assessed through growth simulation on a 10% coconut broth media followed by HPLC quantification. The result showed that all isolates were confirmed as A. flavus based on the morphological and sequence analysis of the ITS region. A total of 11 isolates (61%) were confirmed as toxigenic and produced 1-2 types of aflatoxin, in varying concentrations of high, moderate, or low levels of AFB1. High levels of AFB1 produced by seven isolates namely BIO3313, BIO33212, BIO3361, BIO33404, BIO3338, BIO3352, and BIO3344, had concentration levels ranging from 76.78 to 2241.06 µg/kg, while three isolates (BIO3314, BIO3312, and BIO3381) produced AFB1 below 1 µg/kg. Twenty-nine pairs of aflatoxin gene-specific sequences were successfully amplified as a single band, while some produced non-specific patterns in several low toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates. Based on the results, it was concluded that completed gene clusters and variations of gene deletion were observed in both toxigenic and non-toxigenic isolates. However, no specific target gene could effectively distinguish the two groups. Two non-toxigenic isolates namely BIO3393 and BIO33403 exhibited a large deletion and could be potential candidates for biocontrol agents

POSTHARVEST QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF NUTMEG (Myristica fragrans)

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) or fragrant nutmeg is an important commodity that has been used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, hence its quality should be monitored. The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify Critical Control Points (CCP) in nutmeg’s postharvest handling process and prepare nutmeg HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) System and 2) provide a recommendation on GHP (Good Handling Practices) of nutmeg in order to maintain its quality in relation to food safety issue which is very important for international trade. Ripe fruits of nutmeg were collected after the fruits had reached maturity and fallen from their trees. A paranet was placed under each nutmeg tree to prevent the ripe nutmeg fruits from falling on the ground. The subsequent processes were taking out the nutmeg seeds from the fruits and separating the nutmeg seeds from the pulps and maces. After that, the nutmeg seeds underwent the drying process by using the smoke- and oven-dried methods until the moisture content of the nutmeg seeds was reduced by 10%. Subsequently, the nutmeg seeds were divided into two parts, prior to the storing process. The first part was fumigated by using phosphine (2 g/m3) for eight days and the second part was not fumigated. The sampling of nutmeg seeds was conducted at the beginning of storage and after four months of storage. The parameters observed were moisture content, percentage of damaged kernels, the population of each fungal species, and aflatoxin content. The results showed that moisture content, fungal population, aflatoxin B1, and total aflatoxin contents of nutmeg kernels having been dried by using the smoke- and oven-dried methods with and without fumigation still complied with the requirements related to food safety, although the nutmegs were stored for four months. The results of this research could also determine the Critical Control Point (CCP) in the postharvest handling process of nutmegs, i.e., 1) choosing only ripe nutmeg fruits to be harvested; 2) harvesting method by preventing the ripe nutmeg fruits from falling on the ground; 3) drying process of nutmeg seeds should be conducted immediately after separating the nutmegs from the maces by using the smoke- or oven-dried methods; and 4) nutmeg seeds were stored with the shells

THE OCCURRENCE OF INSECTS, FUNGI AND ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS IN STORED COFFEE BEANS IN LAMPUNG

A survey on postharvest handling and technology processing of coffee beans at farmer, trader and exporter levels was conducted in West Lampung and Tanggamus regencies of Lampung province during harvest time (July 1998). Interviews and sampling of coffee beans were carried out during the survey. The number of respondents at farmer, trader and exporter  levels was 22, 20 and 4, respectively, while the number of samples collected from each level was 20. All samples were analyzed for moisture content, physical quality, insect and fungal infestation, reducing sugar content, and coffee cupping. The results of the interviews indicated that postharvest handling and technology processing became better from farmers to exporters. Moisture contents of coffee beans collected from farmers and traders were higher than the tolerable limit recommended by SNI (13%). Physical quality of coffee beans collected from exporters was higher than that collected from farmers and traders. Insects were found on coffee beans collected from farmers, traders and exporters, but the number of species and the percentage of samples infested by insects from each level were relatively low. The predominant species was Liposcelis entomophila. The number of fungal species on coffee beans collected from farmers was higher than  that collected from traders and exporters. The predominant species at the three levels was Aspergillus niger, but the lowest percentage of beans infected by this fungus was found on coffee beans collected from exporters. The lowest percentage of samples infected by all fungi was also found on coffee beans collected from exporters. Reducing sugar content of coffee beans collected from exporters was lower than that from farmers and traders. Aroma and flavor values tended to increase from farmers through traders to exporters, while the body decreased. Some off-flavors (i.e. earthy, mouldy, fermented and woody) were encountered in a few coffee samples from farmers as well as from traders. There was no off-flavor encountered in the coffee samples from exporters. Key words:    Stored products pests/Postharvest handling/Technology processing/Moisture content Physical quality/Insect/Fungi/Reducing sugars/Coffee cupping/Coffee/ Lampung

Fungal Infection in Stored Arabica Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Beans at Various Stages of the Delivery Chain in South Sulawesi Province

Indonesia has retained its status as the world\u27s fourth largest coffee producer after Brazil, Vietnam and Columbia, in which one of its well-known coffee is originated from Toraja region, South Sulawesi. Because of this, Indonesia has to compete with these countries in producing good quality coffee beans. The objectives of this research were (a) to obtain information on the postharvest handling methods of Arabica coffee (C. arabica) beans in Tana Toraja and North Toraja Regencies, and Makassar Municipality, and (b) to investigate the occurrence of fungi (including ochratoxin A producing fungi) in stored Arabica coffee beans collected from various stages of the delivery chain. Methods used in this study included surveys, interviews and sample collections in each level of delivery chain, which were conducted in May and July 2016. The moisture content and physical quality of the beans were also measured to determine the quality of the beans. The total number of coffee bean samples was 64, consisting of 27 samples from farmers, 15 samples from collectors, 13 samples from traders, and 9 samples from exporters. The results showed that the moisture content of coffee beans collected from farmers and collectors was higher than the maximum tolerable limit determined by SNI (13%), while the moisture content of beans collected from traders and exporters were lower. Based on the total defective value, coffee beans collected from farmers had more diverse grades than those at other levels. Penicillium citrinum was the dominat fungus found in coffee beans collected from farmers, collectors and traders, while Aspergillus Niger was the dominant fungus found in coffee beans collected from exporters. At trader level, 46% of the samples was infected by Aspergillus ochraceus and A. Niger, which are known as OTA-producing fungi. At exporter level, 44% of the samples was infected by A. ochraceus, while 78% of the samples was infected by A. Niger. The postharvest handling methods of Arabica coffee beans conducted especially by farmers and collectors should be improved to minimize moisture content and to increase quality grade of coffee beans

The Occurrence of Insects, Fungi and Organoleptic Characteristics in Stored Coffee Beans in Lampung

A survey on postharvest handling and technology processing of coffee beans at farmer, trader and exporter levels was conducted in West Lampung and Tanggamus regencies of Lampung province during harvest time (July 1998). Interviews and sampling of coffee beans were carried out during the survey. The number of respondents at farmer, trader and exporter levels was 22, 20 and 4, respectively, while the number of samples collected from each level was 20. All samples were analyzed for moisture content, physical quality, insect and fungal infestation, reducing sugar content, and coffee cupping. The results of the interviews indicated that postharvest handling and technology processing became better from farmers to exporters. Moisture contents of coffee beans collected from farmers and traders were higher than the tolerable limit recommended by SNI (13%). Physical quality of coffee beans collected from exporters was higher than that collected from farmers and traders. Insects were found on coffee beans collected from farmers, traders and exporters, but the number of species and the percentage of samples infested by insects from each level were relatively low. The predominant species was Liposcelis entomophila. The number of fungal species on coffee beans collected from farmers was higher than that collected from traders and exporters. The predominant species at the three levels was Aspergillus Niger, but the lowest percentage of beans infected by this fungus was found on coffee beans collected from exporters. The lowest percentage of samples infected by all fungi was also found on coffee beans collected from exporters. Reducing sugar content of coffee beans collected from exporters was lower than that from farmers and traders. Aroma and flavor values tended to increase from farmers through traders to exporters, while the body decreased. Some off-flavors (i.e. earthy, mouldy, fermented and woody) were encountered in a few coffee samples from farmers as well as from traders. There was no off-flavor encountered in the coffee samples from exporters

Aspergillus Flavus Population and Aflatoxin B1 Content of Processed Peanut Products in Municipality of Bogor, West Java, Indonesia

The objectives of this study were to get informations on the population of A. flavus and aflatoxin B1 content of five processed peanut products collected from retailers in Kecamatan Bogor Tengah (Subdistrict of Central Bogor), Municipality of Bogor. A total of 129 samples of processed peanut products was collected. They consisted of roasted peanuts with skin pods (33 samples), flour-coated peanuts (33), siomay sauce (18), pecel/gado-gado sauce (33) and satai sauce (12). A sample each of 2 000 g roasted peanuts with skin pods as well as flour-coated peanuts, and a sample each of 1 500 g siomay sauce, pecel/gado-gado sauce as well as satai sauce was mixed homogenously. It was then divided two times manually to obtain working samples to determine A. flavus population, AFB1 content and a reserve sample. Peanut kernels of roasted peanuts with skin pods and flour-coated peanuts were obtained by peeling their skin pods and the batter coat of tapioca flour manually, respectively. Aspergillus flavus in peanut processed products was isolated using a serial dilution method, followed by pour plate method on Aspergillus Flavus and Parasiticus Agar (AFPA). AFB1 content was determined using Thin Layer Chromatography method. Two replicates were used for each sample. The results showed that the population of A. flavus in roasted peanuts with skin pods, flour-coated peanuts, siomay sauce, pecel/gado-gado sauce and satai sauce were 0.3, 0.1, 0.3, 13.2 and 0.4 cfu/g (wet basis), respectively. The highest AFB1 content of processed peanut products (43.2 ppb) was found in roasted peanuts with skin pods, followed by flour-coated peanuts (34.3 ppb), satai sauce (23.2 ppb), pecel/gado-gado sauce (17.1 ppb) and siomay sauce (4.4 ppb)

Kualitas Fisik, Populasi Aspergillus flavus, dan Kandungan Aflatoksin B1 pada Biji Kacang Tanah Mentah

The objective of this study was to investigate the physical quality, Aspergillus flavus population and aflatoxin B1 content of raw peanut kernels collected from retailers in two traditional markets (pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor) in the city of Bogor in August 2009. The number of samples collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 14 and 12, respectively. Physical quality of kernels was determined based on the percentage of intact, shriveled and damaged kernels. Damaged kernels consisted of broken and damaged kernels caused by insect or fungal attack. Aspergillus flavus population was determined using serial dilution method followed by pour plating method on aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar. Aflatoxin B1 content was determined using thin layer chromatography method. The results showed, that the mean of percentage of intact, shriveled and damaged kernels of peanuts collected from pasar Anyar was 70.6, 12.3 and 17.1%, respectively; while that of collected from pasar Bogor was 60.2, 12.7 and 27.1%, respectively. The mean of A. flavus populations in peanuts collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 8194 cfu g-1 and 983 cfu g-1, respectively. The mean of aflatoxin B1 content in peanuts collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 2.0 ppb and 91.4 ppb, respectively. The percentage of peanut samples containing aflatoxin B1 more than 15 ppb and collected from pasar Anyar and pasar Bogor was 7.1% and 25%, respectively