The effect of various antifungal agents on aflatoxin production and growth characteristics of Aspergillus parasiticus and Aspergillus flavus in liquid medium.

Various antifungal agents were added to a medium of 2% yeast extract-4% sucrose. Spores of a toxigenic strain of Aspergillus parasiticus were inoculated into the medium and incubated at 26 degrees C. for 10 days. Growth of the mold and aflatoxin formation were monitored every 48 hours during the experiment. Of the antifungal agents evaluated, propionic acid and crystal violet were the most effective compounds in retarding mold growth. Propionic acid was fungicidal at concentrations greater than 3.0 microgram/ml. whereas crystal violet exhibited a mold retarding activity at levels greater than 2,0 microgram/ml. Crystal violet retarded the growth rate of the mold during the initial stages of growth, however, this retardation was overcome after 10 days of incubation. Crystal violet also retarded aflatoxin production and sporulation of Aspergillus parasiticus; however, aflatoxin production was the most sensitive parameter. A survey involving 12 toxigenic isolates of A. parasiticus and A. flavus indicated that these species vary markedly in susceptibility to crystal violet.