[Culture of Aspergillus parasiticus in apple juice. I. The influence of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate on fungal growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis].

Sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate (100, 200, 300 and 400 mg/l) were added to cultures of Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL 2999 on apple juice (from syrup) and incubated quiescently at 25 degrees C for 3, 6, 9, 12 or 15 days. The cultures were analyzed for pH, mycelial dry weight and accumulation of aflatoxin B1 and G1. The initial pH of 2.5 remained constant in all instances throughout the incubation period. Sodium benzoate, at all concentrations, suppressed fungal growth and stimulated the biosynthesis of G1, whereas little influence was exerted upon the accumulation of B1. Potassium sorbate stimulated fungal growth at 100 mg/l, while at all concentrations it considerably inhibited toxin production (no detectable amounts of B1 and 3 to 5 times less G1 than in controls). The concentration of G1 surpassed that of B1 without exception.