Effect of Natural Maize Phytochemicals on Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus Populations on Maize and Impact on Aflatoxin B1 Accumulation at Different Conditions of Water Activity.

NESCI, A.; GSPONER, N.; ETCHEVERRY, M.

Villa Carlos Paz, Córdoba

Congreso; Myco-Globe, Congreso Internacional - Research for Food Safety in Global System.; 2006

This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of maize phenolic acids on Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin B1 accumulation in vitro. Considering that water activity is a key factor for the growth of xerophilic aflatoxigenic fungi it was necessary to elucidate the efectiveness of maize phenolic acids for control growth anf aflatoxin B1 production under different regimes of water availability. Two phenolic acids alone (CA: trans-Cinnamic acid 20, 25 mM and FA: ferulic acid 30 mM) and one mixture (CA 25 mM/FA 30mM) were used in these studies. Two isolates belonging to the genus Aspergillus: one of Aspergillus flavus (RCM89) and one of Aspergillus parasiticus (RCM38), were used in these experiments. Maize natural phytochemicals used may be an alternative strategy to try to control important aflatoxigenic species. The data showed that CA/FA mixture could be considered as effective fugitoxicant fos A. flavus and A. parasiticus in maize.