Effect of non-aflatoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus on aflatoxin contamination of pre-harvest peanuts in fields in China

Abstract

Aflatoxin contamination of peanuts is one of the most concerns in peanut production in China. Applying non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains, based on competitive exclusion, has been proved to be a promising strategy to reduce aflatoxin contamination in pre-harvest peanuts. Two non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains collected in China, which have been proved effectively reducing aflatoxin in the laboratory, were mixed with high aflatoxin producer to the soil in peanut growing season. The two non-aflatoxigenic strains significantly (P ​< ​0.05) reduced aflatoxin contamination in peanut kernels under both normal and drought stresses in two fields. Compared to control, the total aflatoxin (sum of aflatoxin B1 and B2) was reduced 26.7–99.12% in field 1, and 84.96–99.33% in field 2. The aflatoxin was reduced 84.96–99.33% under drought stress in two fields. The present study indicated the non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus strains could be potential biocontrol agents for reducing aflatoxin contamination under field condition.