Penicillium expansum
Species of fungus / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Penicillium expansum is a psychrophilic blue mold that is common throughout the world in soil.[1] It causes Blue Mold of apples, one of the most prevalent and economically damaging post-harvest diseases of apples.
Penicillium expansum | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
Order: | Eurotiales |
Family: | Aspergillaceae |
Genus: | Penicillium |
Species: | P. expansum |
Binomial name | |
Penicillium expansum Link, (1809) | |
Synonyms | |
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Though primarily known as a disease of apples, this plant pathogen can infect a wide range of hosts, including pears, strawberries, tomatoes, corn, and rice. Penicillium expansum produces the carcinogenic metabolite patulin, a neurotoxin that is harmful when consumed.[2] Patulin is produced by the fungus as a virulence factor as it infects the host. Patulin levels in foods are regulated by the governments of many developed countries. Patulin is a particular health concern for young children, who are often heavy consumers of apple products. The fungus can also produce the mycotoxin citrinin.