Growth, sclerotia and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus: influence of food preservatives

The influence of six food preservatives on control of aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus was tested in SMKY and defined media at three concentrations, viz., 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0%. Propionic acid completely inhibited the yield of mycelia and sclerotia, and aflatoxin production in culture medium, mycelia and sclerotia of A. parasiticus at all concentrations, whereas citric acid showed inhibition only at 0.5 and 1.0% concentrations. Sodium metabisulphite did not permit mycelial growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis in SMKY liquid medium but allowed production of sclerotia and aflatoxin on solid media, while the rest of the food preservatives had only marginal inhibitory effects.