Fungi in desiccated coconut

Twenty-eight fungal species were isolated from desiccated coconut and identified. Members of the genus Eurotium (Aspergillus glaucus group) were the principle species, with Penicillium, Cladosporium, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger commonly present. Two rare moulds, Chrysosporium farinicola (Burnside) Skou C. fastidium Pitt) and a new species of Arthropsis, were found. Different species were isolated with different diluents. The need for two to three weeks incubation period is discussed and the implications of this for the microbiological specifications for dried foods noted.