Aflatoxin control in preharvest maize: effects of chitosan and two microbial agents

Abstract

SUMMARYGrowth and aflatoxin production ofAspergillus flavusin preharvest maize grown in Texas, USA in 1989 were determined after treatment with chitosan,Bacillus subtilisandTrichoderma harzianum. Individual or combined control treatments were applied at the milk stage of ear development, 48 h before or after kernel inoculation with an aflatoxigenic isolate ofA. flavus. Single and combined treatments reducedA. flavusgrowth and aflatoxin production. Toxin accumulation was significantly (P< 0·05) reduced, in some instances to non-detectable concentrations by single pretreatments. EitherB. subtilisor chitosan as independent treatments applied 48 h before inoculation withA. flavusinhibited aflatoxin production.