Glufosinate-ammonium reduces growth and aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus flavus

J Food Prot. 2002 Sep;65(9):1483-7. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-65.9.1483.

Abstract

The herbicide glufosinate-ammonium (GA) [butanoic acid, 2-amino-4-(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)-ammonium salt] was tested at concentrations from 2 to 2,000 g GA per ml for activity against growth and aflatoxin B1 (AFB) production by the mycotoxigenic fungus Aspergillus flavus Link:Fr. The highest concentration (2,000 microg GA per ml) reduced colony diameter of A. flavus strain AF13 by 80%. AFB1 production was inhibited by 90% at this concentration. Reduction in mycelial dry weight and AFB1 production in response to GA application ranged from 17.2 to 97.1% and from 39.1 to 90.1%, respectively. Of four concentrations tested, 2 microg GA per ml was weakly inhibitory. In the kernel screening assay, AFB1 production was inhibited 60 to 91% when kernels were preimmersed or immersed 5 days after incubation in 200 microg GA per ml. Both concentrations (2 and 200 microg GA per ml) reduced seed germination by 25 to 50%. Results indicate that GA has an inhibitory effect on growth and AFB1 production by A. flavus.

MeSH terms

  • Aflatoxin B1 / biosynthesis*
  • Aminobutyrates / pharmacology*
  • Aspergillus flavus / drug effects*
  • Aspergillus flavus / growth & development
  • Aspergillus flavus / metabolism
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Food Microbiology
  • Herbicides / pharmacology*
  • Time Factors
  • Zea mays / microbiology

Substances

  • Aminobutyrates
  • Herbicides
  • phosphinothricin
  • Aflatoxin B1