Inhibition of Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Different Vegetable Matrices by Extracts of <i>Trichoderma</i> Species

Post-harvest fungal diseases of plant products are a serious concern leading to economic losses and health risks. Moreover, the use of synthetic chemical fungicides to prevent these diseases is limited due to toxic residues. This study aimed at determining the effective dose of extracts of <i>...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Claudia Stracquadanio, Carlos Luz, Federico La Spada, Giuseppe Meca, Santa Olga Cacciola
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-06-01
Series:Journal of Fungi
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2309-608X/7/6/445
Description
Summary:Post-harvest fungal diseases of plant products are a serious concern leading to economic losses and health risks. Moreover, the use of synthetic chemical fungicides to prevent these diseases is limited due to toxic residues. This study aimed at determining the effective dose of extracts of <i>Trichoderma</i> <i>asperellum</i> IMI393899 (TE1) and <i>Trichoderma</i> <i>atroviride</i> TS (TE2) in inhibiting the contamination by mycotoxigenic fungi on different plant matrices. Extracts were tested on tomatoes contaminated by <i>Fusarium</i> <i>verticillioides</i> and <i>Fusarium</i> <i>graminearum</i>, wheat contaminated by <i>Penicillium</i> <i>verrucosum</i> and maize contaminated by <i>Aspergillus</i> <i>flavus</i>. The efficacy of extracts was evaluated at two time intervals after treatment, 4 and 11 days for tomato, and 10 and 20 days for both wheat and maize. Both extracts showed a significant inhibitory activity on mycotoxigenic pathogens and significantly reduced Log CFU/g compared to the control. Moreover, the extracts reduced mycotoxin production in a dose dependent manner and with a long-lasting effect. The ochratoxin A was reduced by both extracts but only the extract TE2 was effective in reducing aflatoxins, whereas TE1 treatment increased their synthesis.
ISSN:2309-608X