Abstract

Investigation has been carried out to evaluate the effect of range plant Ephedra alata as biologically-based strategy inhibit growth characters and  aflatoxin production (in vitro andin vivo) of Aspergillus flavus. The aqueous extract of E. alata had significant inhibitory potential against growth as well as aflatoxin production by aflatoxigenic seedborne mold (Aspergillus flavus). Moreover, it has been found that, the addition of 1 and 2% (w/w) of plant powder material of E. alata to corn grains and soybean seeds respectively decreased the aflatoxin contamination and improve their nutritional value (total nitrogen content, fiber content, total lipids content and ash content) under storage conditions. The results observed here suggest employment of E. alata as an alternative non-chemical mean to control aflatoxin contamination of fodder in Saudi Arabia.

Key words: Biocontrol, Aflatoxins, Aspergillus flavus, Ephedra alata, nutritional value, Saudi Arabia.