Black Aspergillus species in Australian vineyards: from soil to ochratoxin A in wine

Fungi classified in Aspergillus Section Nigri (the black Aspergilli) are ubiquitous saprophytes in soils around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Several species in this Section are common in vineyards and are often associated with bunch rots. A. niger is reported to be the primary cause of Aspergillus rot in grapes before harvest, while A. aculeatus and A. carbonarius have also been reported. The development of fungal bunch rots has been correlated with the splitting of grape berries, and Aspergillus counts on grapes grown for drying were greater during seasons when rain before harvest caused the berries to split.