Abstract
Fungi are among the main responsible for damage and loss in stored grains, its control has been done through synthetic substances, which are harmful to man and the environment. Brazil, one of the leading countries in agriculture, has optimal environmental conditions for the development of mycotoxigenic fungi. Most of the synthetic chemicals used as preservatives have often been realized to be toxic to humans and also cause adverse environmental effects. Thus, it is necessary to search for alternative methods of controlling. In this study the aimed was to evaluate the efficacy of lemongrass essential oil in the control of the Aspergillus brasiliensis. In vitro and serial microdilution tests were carried out at different concentrations of essential oil and citral, which corresponds to 72% of the total oil composition. Inhibition of fungal growth on contaminated wheat grain was evaluated. The in vitro test results showed that the essential oil has fungicidal potential at concentrations from 0.6 μL mL-1, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined at 0.8 μL mL-1. The tests with citral showed fungal control at concentrations from 0.6 μL mL-1 onwards. For wheat grain, fungal growth inhibition was obtained at the concentration of 1.6 μL mL-1. The essential oil of Cymbopogon flexuosus showed fungicidal activity against the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis.
Highlights
Fungi are considered one of the major causes of seed and grain deterioration in storage
The in vitro test results showed that the essential oil has fungicidal potential at concentrations from 0.6 μL mL-1, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined at 0.8 μL mL-1
Identification of the chemical components of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) essential oil Figure 1 shows the chromatogram obtained in the identification of the main components of lemongrass (C. flexuosus) essential oil
Summary
Fungi are considered one of the major causes of seed and grain deterioration in storage. It has been estimated that of the world crop production, one million tonnes of food is being compromised because of contamination with some type of mycotoxin, with recognized harmful effects on human and animal health. One of the leading countries in agriculture, has optimal environmental conditions for the development of mycotoxigenic fungi. Contamination of grains and seeds with mycotoxins occurs widely and affects cereals of economic and food importance such as wheat, which is a source of raw material for the production of various foodstuffs, fundamental in human diet. Known as common wheat, is the most widely planted species on the planet and the most common grain used for bread-making (Mallmann et al, 2018)
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