African Journal of
Microbiology Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Microbiol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0808
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJMR
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 5233

Full Length Research Paper

Ephedra alata as biologically-based strategy inhibit aflatoxigenic seedborne mold

Al-Qarawi, A. A.1, Abd_Allah, E. F.1* and Hashem Abeer2
1Department of Plant Production, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. 2Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 30 July 2011
  •  Published: 18 August 2011

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 Ealata 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 Ealata 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 Ealata as an alternative non-chemical mean to control aflatoxin contamination of fodder in Saudi Arabia.

 

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