Aflatoxin contamination of pods of Indian Cassia senna L. (Caesalpinaceae) before harvest, during drying and in storage: Reasons and possible methods of reduction

The smallest increase of aflatoxins, but still giving rise to unacceptably high levels, was achieved using a solar dryer. The formation of aflatoxins in Indian senna pods could also be reduced by application of NeemAzal T/S® and even more by a fresh neem leaf water extract, but not to below the desired level of 2 μg/kg. Northern Indian harvest methods, used in South India, resulted in a reduction of aflatoxins, but again not sufficiently, and with a reduced economic output. Sudan senna (C. senna acutifolia), grown in South India, showed resistance to fungal infections and the aflatoxin content was lower than in Indian senna (C. senna angustifolia), in the field and in the laboratory, but growing Sudan senna elsewhere in India was not economical. The consequences of the findings are discussed.