INHIBITION OF AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION BY CARROT ROOT EXTRACT

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Abstract
The worldwide incidence of aflatoxin contamination of carrot roots is rare. This study was conducted to determine the potential of carrot root to support Aspergillus parasiticus growth and aflatoxin production. Raw carrot tissue did not support the germination of A. parasiticus spores. Autoclaved (121°C, 15 min) carrot tissue supported germination, growth, sporulation, and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus. There was no measureable difference in water activity before or after autoclaving the carrot tissue. There was an increase in water extractable carbohydrate and protein as a result of autoclaving the carrot tissue. Chloroform extracts of carrot tissue contained a compound that inhibited differentiation and aflatoxin production by A. parasiticus in both synthetic and semisynthetic media. The inhibitor was optimally active within a pH range 3.5—4.0. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the extract at pH 4.5 and at 28°C in minimal salts medium containing 6% glucose and 1.7 × 105A. parasiticus spores was 3.84g equivalent weight of tissue/ml assay medium.