Effect of phosphine (ph3) in controlling aflatoxin production in stored groundnut (Arachis hypogea) and wet maize (Zea mays).

摘要

Potential of phosphine to control aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus on groundnuts (peanuts) and wet maize (corn) stored in sealed containers under ambient conditions in the laboratory was studied. Groundnuts and wet maize inoculated with spore suspensions of A. flavus and exposed to phosphine in sealed containers for toxin production had very low fungal counts, and aflatoxin B1 was <5 mg/kg during 6 months storage. Grains remained fresh without loss in quality at the end of storage. Similarly treated groundnuts and wet maize stored in air in sealed containers had a very high fungal count and aflatoxin B1 contents within 10 and 2 days, respectively. These results are useful for post-harvest handling of damp grains in humid zones where the harvesting period of maize coincides with the wet season.