Effect of plant extracts on Ochratoxin A production by Aspergillus carbonarius

CARDIERI, R.; FERNÁNDEZ PINTO, V.; PATRIARCA, A.

Mérida, Yucatán

Congreso; VI Congreso Latinoamericano de Micotoxicología; 2010

Sociedad Latinoamericana de Micotoxicología (SLAM)

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin, which has been described as a potent nephrotoxin, carcinogen and teratogen, with immunotoxic properties in rats and possibly in humans. Aspergillus carbonarius is predominantly responsible for the production of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in grapes, wine, and dried vine fruits (Bragulat et al., 2001; Abarca et al., 2003), especially because a high percentage of its isolates are able to produce the toxin (Cabañes et al., 2002; Romero et al., 2005). Chemicals are used, but the negative consumer perception of chemical preservatives drives attention towards natural alternatives. Resistance of fungal strains to traditional fungicides, the limitation of the number of fungicides allowed for postharvest application, and increasing public concern regarding contamination of perishables with fungicidal residues have increased the need for the development of new safe and biodegradable alternatives. Antimicrobial and antioxidative properties of the essential oils and extracts from many plants have recently been of great interest.