Patulin production by Paecilomyces species isolated from silage in the United Kingdom

Twenty‐six Paecilomyces spp. isolated from silage in the UK were tested in a potato dextrose broth for the ability to produce the mycotoxin patulin. Of the 26 isolates 21 were shown to be capable of producing patulin. The ability of such isolates to produce patulin does not seem to be influenced by the grass species ensiled nor the pH of the silage. Patulin was not detected in any of the silage samples.