Patulin from Penicillium expansum in Stone Fruits and Pears1

Abstract

Concentrations of patulin in blue mold lesions caused by Penicillium expansum Lk. ex Thom in pears and stone fruits were similar to those reported for apples. Of fruits tested, only the plum was a poor substrate for accumulation of the mycotoxin. The total patulin within disease lesions increased as the lesions enlarged. However, the concentration of patulin varied considerably, with the largest lesions usually yielding the lowest concentrations. Little or no patulin permeated healthy tissue surrounding the disease lesions unless fruits were overripe or had senescent breakdown.