Activity of natural compounds on Fusarium verticillioides and fumonisin production in stored maize kernels.
The ability of trans-2-hexenal, carvacrol and eugenol to control F. verticillioides was explored in vitro and in artificially infected kernels. The effect of the trans-2-hexenal fumigation on F. verticillioides control, fumonisin production and kernel germination was also investigated in naturally infected kernels. Trans-2-hexenal, carvacrol and eugenol vapour showed fungicidal activity against F. verticillioides, in in vitro trials. Trans-2-hexenal was the best pathogen inhibitor, followed by carvacrol and eugenol. In maize kernels, fumigations with trans-2-hexenal provided a high inhibitory effect on F. verticillioides growth and its efficacy depended on concentration and time of incubation. The most effective dose of trans-2-hexenal was 369 microL/L, but this concentration induced off-odour in maize. The exposure to 246 microL/L trans-2-hexenal provided the best control of F. verticillioides and no phytotoxic symptoms or off-odour in kernels was observed. In contrast trans-2-hexenal fumigations were ineffective in the reduction of fumonisin concentration and high concentration (369 microL/L) stimulated fumonisin levels. Reduction or delay in the germinability of the kernel was observed after trans-2-hexenal exposure. The results showed that trans-2-hexenal postharvest fumigation is effective in F. verticillioides control also in asymptomatic maize kernels, but cannot reduce fumonisin production.
Menniti
A M
AM
Department of Protection and Improvement of Agricultural Food Products, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Viale Fanin 46, Bologna 40127, Italy. annamaria.menniti@unibo.it
Gregori
R
R
Neri
F
F
D000447:Aldehydes / Q000494:pharmacology; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000081007:Cymenes; D005054:Eugenol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005519:Food Preservation / Q000379:methods*; D037341:Fumonisins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005670:Fusarium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D018525:Germination; D039821:Monoterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D003313:Zea mays / Q000737:chemistry / Q000382:microbiology*
D000447:Aldehydes; D000935:Antifungal Agents; D000081007:Cymenes; D037341:Fumonisins; D039821:Monoterpenes; D005054:Eugenol; C051750:2-hexenal; C073316:carvacrol