Combination of allyl isothiocyanate and cinnamaldehyde against the growth of mycotoxigenic fungi and aflatoxin production in corn

Abstract

In this report, cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) were combined against mycotoxigenic fungi. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and interaction between compounds were evaluated in culture media, and gas-phase inhibition and aflatoxin yield were evaluated in corn. Doses of 0.076, 0.605, and 0.303 mM of AITC, and 0.246, 1.964, and 0.982 mM of CIN were the MIC for Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium verticillioides, and Fusarium graminearum, respectively. Together, 0.038 mM of AITC and 0.061 mM of CIN were required to inhibit A. parasiticus; 0.038 and 1.964 mM to F. verticillioides; and 0.076 and 0.246 mM to F. graminearum. In gas-phase, 0.62, 0.47, and 0.23 μl/L (1:5 AITC:CIN) inhibited A. parasiticus, F. verticillioides, and F. graminearum in Petri dishes, respectively. In corn, 300 μl/L (1:5 AITC:CIN) reduced the fungal population below the detection limit. The use of AITC + CIN significantly reduced aflatoxins production. Therefore, these compounds may be an alternative to avoid contamination. Novelty impact statement AITC and CIN may be used against contamination of mycotoxigenic fungi, and they have the potential to inhibit aflatoxins production. AITC is very pungent and the combination with CIN can mask the strong odor of the former compound. Therefore, these compounds can be combined to reduce production losses.