Eurotium repens

Eurotium repens is an ascomycete fungus and the teleomorph of Aspergillus repens. It is recognized as a significant pathogen responsible for mold spoilage in various agricultural products, particularly affecting stored grains, seeds, and dried food commodities.

The fungus has a wide host range, commonly colonizing wheat, barley, corn, oilseeds, and pulses. It acts primarily as a storage pathogen, though it can also infect plants in the field under specific environmental stress conditions.

Typical symptoms of infection include the formation of dense, powdery fungal colonies on the seed coat, which typically appear as yellow-green or olive-brown spots. As the infection progresses, the fungus invades the embryo and endosperm, leading to discoloration, loss of seed viability, and the release of volatile organic compounds that create a musty odor.

The development of Eurotium repens is heavily influenced by high relative humidity and inadequate storage ventilation. As a xerophilic organism, it can thrive in environments where moisture levels are relatively low, making it a persistent threat in poorly managed grain silos and storage facilities.

Effective control measures focus on maintaining grain moisture content below the critical threshold (usually 13–14%) and utilizing continuous aeration systems. Management also includes the thorough cleaning of harvest to remove debris and the application of appropriate antifungal treatments on high-value seed stocks to prevent infestation and the subsequent production of mycotoxins.