Effects of Some Essential Oils on Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Production

Awad M. Abdel-Rahim; Hind A. Mohammed; Abdel Moneim E. Sulieman

Awad M. Abdel-Rahim Center of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology ,University of Gezira, Wad-Medani, Sudan,
Hind A. Mohammed Center of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology ,University of Gezira, Wad-Medani, Sudan,
Abdel Moneim E. Sulieman Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, University of Gezira,

Abstract

The present study aimed at investigating the effects of some essential oils on inhibiting fungal growth of A. flavus and aflatoxin production. Clove oil was found as the best among the six different oils tested against the radial growth at the concentration of 0.05. mL/100ml. However the other oils were also significantly better than the control except the Pumpkin oil. Different concentrations (0.00, 0.01, 0.03 and 0.05 ml/100ml) of only three of the oils were tested against the radial growth of A. flavus. Clove and Cumin oils were significantly effective than the control at all these concentrations. Although Pumpkin oil was slightly more effective than the control at its higher concentration (0.05) ml/100ml), it was not effective at its lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.03 ml/100ml). Clove oil was also the best in suppressing mycelial growth at the concentration of 0.05 ml/100ml. However, the other oils were also significantly better than the control, while, Pumpkin oil was non-effective. Spore germination was also affected by the oils tested. Clove oil gave complete inhibition at its higher concentration followed by Cumin, Rehan, Garlic and Desert date, while Pumpkin oil was the least one. Aflatoxin production was highly affected by the essential oils tested. Clove and Cumin exhibited a complete inhibition, followed by Rehan; Garlic and Desert date while Pumpkin oil was non-effective.