title: Effects of salicylic acid on Aspergillus flavus infection and aflatoxin B₁ accumulation in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) fruit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the most important saprophytic infections in fresh pistachio fruits after harvesting is Aspergillus flavus colonization, which significantly reduces fruit quality. Salicylic acid plays a crucial role in plant tissues and has a suppression effect on some fungi.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The inhibitory effect of salicylic acid on the growth of A. flavus was assessed in vitro and in vivo. For this purpose, seven concentrations (0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 mmol L(-1)) of salicylic acid were used in both experiments. Also, aflatoxin B1 contents of the samples were analysed using immunoaffinity chromatography. The results obtained from in vitro experiments showed that salicylic acid significantly reduced Aspergillus growth at all concentrations, and at 9 mmol L(-1) growth was completely suppressed. In vivo evaluation showed relatively high levels of inhibition, though the intact treated fruits as compared with the injured treated fruits demonstrated higher inhibitory effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Regarding the inhibitory effects of salicylic acid on the control of A. flavus contamination, its application on pistachio fruits after harvesting could be a promising approach to control the fungus infection and reduce aflatoxin production in treated fruits.
authors.affiliation: Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
authors.forename: Sima
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Panahirad
authors.forename: Fariborz
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zaare-Nahandi
authors.forename: Nilufar
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mohammadi
authors.forename: Saeedeh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Alizadeh-Salteh
authors.forename: Naser
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Safaie
mesh_terms: D016604:Aflatoxin B1 / Q000032:analysis*; D001231:Aspergillus flavus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005638:Fruit / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D027927:Pistacia / Q000382:microbiology*; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology*; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D016604:Aflatoxin B1; D020156:Salicylic Acid
keywords: Aspergillus flavus; aflatoxin B1; antifungals; mycotoxin; pistachio