Aflatoxin Contamination of Peanuts from Plants Drought Stressed In Pod or Root Zones1

Studies were conducted to investigate the separate roles of root stress and pod stress in pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts. Pod and root zones were separated by a polystyrene barrier in a unique design and drought type conditions were applied either above or below the barriers. In the three year study, aflatoxin was consistently found in peanuts when pods were exposed to drought stress although roots of those plants were well watered. Generally, aflatoxin was not found in peanuts when pods were well watered although roots were subjected to drought stress conditions. Moisture content of Pod Maturity Profile classes was generally lower in root zone stress conditions especially in the immature classes. Moisture contents of mustard-colored pods in all classes were extremely low (< 26%).