Aspergillus niger is a fungus and one of the most common species of the genus Aspergillus. It causes a disease called black mold on certain fruits and vegetables such as grapes, onions, and peanuts, and is a common contaminant of food. It causes stem rot of Dracaena, root stalk rot of Sansevieria and boll rot of cotton. It has also been implicated in the spoilage of cashew kernels, dates, figs, vanilla pods and dried prunes. It is ubiquitous in soil and is commonly reported from indoor environments, where it produces characteristic black colonies. Some strains of A. niger have also been reported to produce potent mycotoxins called ochratoxins. Methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of the pest would be valuable to ensure food quality and protection of individuals from the possibility of ingesting potentially hazardous myco- or ochratoxins.

For research use only and NOT intended for in vitro diagnostics.