Detection of a Gene Involved in Fumonisin Production in F usarium Strains Isolated from Moringa ( Moringa oliefera ) Sold in the Markets of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire)

Fumonisins produced by Fusarium constitute a concern group of mycotoxins contaminating food products. In Cote d'Ivoire, data on the sanitary quality of marketed Moringa powder remains unknown. This study was carried out to characterize molds of the genus Fusarium isolated from Moringa powder by detecting the presence of a gene encoding the biosynthesis of fumonisins. A total of 192 Moringa leaf powder samples of approximately 250g each were taken from various sales sites in Abidjan markets including Abobo, Adjame, Koumassi and Yopougon. The isolation and purification of the Fusarium strains were carried out on Sabouraud’s medium supplemented with 10 μg / mL of chloramphenicol. The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was used for molecular identification of Fusarium strains and the detection of the presence of the Fum13 gene involved in the fumonisins biosynthesis. The contamination rate of Moringa powder by Fusarium-type molds was 15.43%. The predominantly isolated species was Fusarium solani (11.43%) followed by Fusarium sp (4%). The presence of the Fum13 gene was detected in 62.96% (17/27) of the Fusarium strains isolated. The presence of molds of the genus Fusarium and the detection of a gene coding for the fumonisins biosynthesis, requires the implementation of health safety measures during the manufacturing process of Moringa powder.