From field to process: How storage selects toxigenic Alternaria spp. causing mouldy core in Red Delicious apples

Apple is a major crop in Argentina where 50% of the production is derived to by-products. Industries process either recently harvested apples or fruit stored for up to 9 months. This crop is susceptible to fungal diseases both external and internal, such as mouldy core (MC). The incidence of fungal pathogens changes during storage, as well as the risk associated with their presence since some contaminants belong to mycotoxigenic genera. The objective of this study was to characterize the fungal contaminants of Red Delicious apple fruit in Argentina evaluating their evolvement from field to process, with main interest on MC causal agents and mycotoxigenic species. A total of 240 apples were analysed; 140, recently harvested and intended for fresh consumption (C), and 100 stored for 9 months in a refrigerated chamber (0–3 °C) and destined to industrialization (I). The 86% of fresh consumption apples showed external fungal lesions, and only 14% were undamaged; MC incidence was 34%. High biodiversity was observed; Penicillium was the predominant genus (54%), followed by Alternaria spp. (41%). Only 3% of industrialization fruit were undamaged, 48% had external lesions and 51% MC. However, biodiversity was lower in these apples. Alternaria spp. was recovered from 60% of apples, mainly causing MC, while Penicillium spp. took second place (34%). All the Alternaria isolates belonged to Section Alternaria with A. tenuissima as the predominant species-group. Alternariol was synthesised by 75% of the isolates, while both alternariol monomethyl-ether and tenuazonic acid by 76%. From the 100 I apples, 93 were contaminated with at least one of these mycotoxins. Alternaria was the main causal agent of MC in Argentinean Red Delicious apples, and fruit affected by this disease might be incorporated into the process line, with a consequent risk of mycotoxin contamination in apple by-products. Effect of postharvest storage on fungal populations of apples and selection of toxigenic Alternaria species with consequent higher risk of by-products contamination. [Display omitted] •Penicillium and Alternaria were the main spoilage genera in Argentinean apples.•Alternaria was the main causal agent of apple mouldy core in Argentina.•Apple mouldy core incidence increased after 9 months of refrigerated storage.•The Alternaria isolates causing mouldy core showed high toxigenic capacity.•The risk of processing apples contaminated with Alternaria toxins is high.