aflatoxin contamination

One-Health Approach to Managing Aflatoxin-Producing Aspergillus flavus Using Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus spp

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This study shows that leftover substrate from growing oyster and red mushrooms can work together with a common antifungal fungicide to better prevent harmful Aspergillus fungi from contaminating corn. The combination of mushroom waste and fungicide was more effective than using either alone, and could potentially reduce the amount of chemicals needed in agriculture while protecting the environment and preventing drug resistance.

The Efficacy of Clove Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and the Production of Aflatoxin B1 in Organic Peanuts in Georgia

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Researchers tested clove essential oil as a natural antifungal treatment for peanuts infected with a mold that produces aflatoxin, a dangerous toxin harmful to human health. They found that clove oil significantly reduced both the mold growth and toxin production, with the best results at moderate concentrations. This discovery offers organic farmers an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting their peanut crops. The findings could help reduce a major agricultural problem that costs the Southeast millions of dollars annually.

Biocontrol of Seedborne Fungi on Small-Grained Cereals Using Bacillus halotolerans Strain B33

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Researchers discovered that a bacterium called Bacillus halotolerans strain B33 can effectively prevent harmful fungi from damaging cereal seeds like wheat, barley, oats, and rye. When seeds were treated with this beneficial bacterium, it successfully eliminated or greatly reduced three dangerous fungal pathogens while also helping the seeds germinate better. This natural approach offers a promising environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting grain crops.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

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Researchers tested whether a plant called Urginea epigea could stop the growth of a dangerous fungus (Aspergillus flavus) that produces aflatoxins, which can harm humans and animals. The plant extract completely stopped fungus growth at high concentrations and significantly reduced the production of toxins by turning off the genes responsible for toxin production. This suggests that plant-based treatments could offer a natural alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting food from contamination.

The Effect of Aspergillus flavus on Seedling Development in Maize

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Aspergillus flavus is a dangerous fungus that contaminates maize crops and produces toxic aflatoxins harmful to human and animal health. Researchers tested maize varieties to identify which are naturally resistant to this fungus using a simple laboratory method. They found significant differences in resistance among maize varieties and proposed a new evaluation system to help identify resistant varieties before they are sold to farmers, which could help reduce aflatoxin contamination in our food supply.

The Antimicrobial Extract Derived from Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 for Inhibition of Aspergillus flavus Growth and Prolongation of Maize Seed Storage

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Researchers discovered that a beneficial bacterium called Pseudomonas sp. HP-1 can produce a natural compound that effectively prevents mold contamination in stored maize seeds. The extract from this bacterium showed strong antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus, a major cause of aflatoxin contamination in grain storage. The main protective compound was identified as phenazinecarboxylic acid, which works by damaging the cell membranes of fungal cells. This finding offers a promising eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fungicides for protecting stored crops.

Inhibitive effect of Urginea epigea methanolic extract and silver/zinc oxide nanoparticles on Aspergillus and aflatoxin production

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Scientists tested a plant called Urginea epigea and special tiny particles made of silver and zinc to stop a dangerous fungus called Aspergillus flavus from growing and producing aflatoxins, which are harmful poisons found in food. When used at the right concentration, the plant extract completely stopped the fungus from growing. The treatment worked by turning off the fungus’s ability to make the poison by reducing the activity of specific genes. This natural approach could offer a safer alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting our food supply.

Inhibition Mechanism of Cinnamomum burmannii Leaf Essential Oil Against Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxins

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This research shows that essential oil from cinnamon leaves can effectively prevent a dangerous fungus (Aspergillus flavus) from contaminating stored foods like peanuts and grains, and stops it from producing a cancer-causing toxin called aflatoxin. The oil works by damaging the fungus’s cell membrane, disrupting its energy production, and triggering stress responses. Ten main aromatic compounds in the oil, especially eucalyptol and borneol, are responsible for this protective effect. This suggests cinnamon leaf oil could be used as a natural, safe alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting stored food.

Transcriptome and metabolome profiling reveal the inhibitory effects of food preservatives on pathogenic fungi

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This research tested three common food preservatives to see how well they stop harmful molds from growing on fruits and vegetables. Scientists found that all three preservatives worked well at different concentrations, with sec-butylamine being particularly effective. By studying the genes and chemical changes in treated fungal cells, they discovered that these preservatives work by damaging the mold’s cell walls and disrupting how it processes sugars, essentially starving and weakening the fungal cells.

Essential Oils as an Antifungal Alternative to Control Several Species of Fungi Isolated from Musa paradisiaca: Part II

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Bananas often develop fungal infections during storage that reduce their quality. Researchers tested whether essential oils from common herbs and spices like cinnamon, clove, and oregano could prevent these fungal infections. The study found that cinnamon, clove, and oregano oils effectively stopped fungal growth at higher concentrations, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides that could help keep bananas fresh longer without synthetic chemicals.

Disease: aflatoxin contamination