Aflatoxin production in cultures of Aspergillus flavus incubated in atmospheres containing selected cotton leaf-derived volatiles.

Aspergillus flavus, in solid culture, was exposed to individual selected, commercially obtained volatile compounds that were similar to volatile cotton leaf-derived components. The radial growth pattern of A. flavus and the production of aflatoxin were determined on these volatile exposed cultures. The most bioactive compounds C6-C9 alkenals, completely inhibited the growth of the fungus. Unexpected results demonstrated that 3-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-2-butanol inhibited A. flavus growth by 20% but increased production of aflatoxin B1 by 1.5 to 2-fold. Other relationships of growth and aflatoxin production resulting from exposure to the bioactive volatiles are discussed.