Screening and application of an antagonistic bacterium against Aspergillus flavus

Abstract:

[Objective] We isolated bacterial strain that can antagonize the aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) producing fungus Aspergillus flavus in maize seed.[Methods] The plate method and in vivo screening were performed for samples from various sources. The positive bacterial strains were screened by their ability to degrade AFB1 in culture media.[Results] The inhibitory rate of bacterial strain to Aspergillus flavus was 79.2% and its degradation rate was 68.39% in 1 μg/mL AFB1. During storage period, the inhibition rate of the bacterial strain to Aspergillus flavus was inversely proportional to the water content of maize. When the water content in the maize was 15%, 92.46% inhibition rate was recorded, while the inhibition rate of 19.41% was noted with 30% water content in maize. When the maize water content was 28%, the control effect on Aspergillus flavus was 36.39%.[Conclusion] An AFB1-degrading strain not only could inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus, but also may control the contamination of AFB1 to maize.