| Abstrakt: |
Bell pepper fruits (Capsicum annumL.) fungal infection can result in the contamination of these fruits by mycotoxins. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the synergistic inhibition of mycotoxigenic fungi infection on bell pepper fruits by the combination of citronella and lemongrass essential oils (CEO & LEO). A total of 570 fungal isolates were identified from fruit samples collected in six locations in Egypt, among which Mucorsp. and Aspergillus nigerwere predominant. Seven isolates were found to produce mycotoxins, among which four Aspergillusisolates were aflatoxins producers, and one isolate of each of Alternaria alternate, Fusarium oxysporumand Penicillium expansumproduced alterneriol, zeralenone, and patulin toxins, respectively. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of CEO and LEO confirmed that the citral compound was the major constituent in both oils. The combination of the CEO and LEO showed antifungal synergistic effects against mycotoxigenic fungi across all tested concentrations under in vitro and in vivo conditions. The combination of CEO and LEO is effective against mycotoxigenic fungi infection in bell pepper fruits. |
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