An attempt has been made to isolate and enumerate the mycoflora invading chillies kept in cold storage
since May, 1999. Chilli pods were collected from the cold stores at monthly intervals for a period of one
year between December 2002 to November 2003. The incidence of molds on unsterilized as well as
surface sterilized samples was recorded. Species of Aspergillus found to be dominant on stored chillies
were screened for antimicrobial activity. The toxins from A. flavus and A. niger exhibited antibacterial
and antifungal activity. Incidences of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium spp. and Mucor spp. was low on
stored chillies when compared to Aspergillus spp. Chilli seeds aseptically collected from the pods
were also tested for mycoflora. Natural occurrence of aflatoxin B1 in chilli pods kept in cold storage was
tested. Results from HPLC analysis revealed that the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin B1 to
the extent of 5.5 mg Kg-1.