Volatile Antifungal Compounds in Maize Kernels: Effect of Ear Position on Aflatoxin Production

Abstract

Abstract Volatiles produced by ground maize kernels from 3 zonal areas of Pioneer Hybrid 3136 maize ear inhibited the growth of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and, therefore, production of aflatoxin B1 in a static culture bioassay. Volatiles from kernels obtained from the medial zonal area of the maize ear resulted in 75% mean inhibition of A. flavus radial growth and 76% mean inhibition of aflatoxin contamination. Volatiles from kernels obtained from the apical zone resulted in 19% mean inhibition of radial growth and 33% mean inhibition of aflatoxin contamination. Volatiles from kernels obtained from the basal zone resulted in 23% mean inhibition of radial growth and 37% mean inhibition of aflatoxin contamination. Volatiles were purged on Tenax columns and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Compounds highly toxic to A. flavus, such as C4-C6 aldehydes, benzothia-zole, methyl jasmonates, and 2-furancarboxaldehy-des, were found mostly in volatiles from kernels obtained from the medial zone. These results demonstrate a relationship between volatile fungi-toxic compounds from kernels obtained from different zonal areas and aflatoxin contamination.