Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi Associated with Pomegranate Fruits (Punica Granatum L.) and Their Control Using Garden Cress Meal Extract

Akl, Engy M.; Embaby, E. M.; Younos, Marwa A.

doi:10.21608/ejchem.2024.239167.8674

Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi Associated with Pomegranate Fruits (Punica Granatum L.) and Their Control Using Garden Cress Meal Extract

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Fats and Oils Department, Food Industries and Nutrition Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Postal Code 12622, Giza; Egypt.

² Plant Pathology Dept., Agriculture and Biological Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Postal Code 12622, Giza; Egypt

³ Food Toxicology and Contaminants Department, Food Industries and Nutrition Research Institute, National Research Centre, Dokki, Postal Code 12622, Giza; Egypt.

10.21608/ejchem.2024.239167.8674

Abstract

Pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L.) are susceptible to fungal infection and subsequent contamination with mycotoxins. So the current work aimed at the detection of mycotoxigenic fungi associated with pomegranate fruits and their control using polyphenolic acetonic extract of garden cress meal (GCM). The occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi was assessed. The polyphenolic compounds of the acetonic extract of GCM were elucidated. Each of its antioxidant activity and antifungal activity against isolated mycotoxigenic fungi were evaluated. The obtained data indicated that, 388 fungal isolates were detected. Rhizoctonia solani and Penicillium expansum were the most abundant fungi. Alternariol toxin was produced by Alternaria alternata (isolate No. 3) from location A, Aflatoxins were produced by A. parasiticus (isolate No.2) from location C and Patulin toxin was produced by Penicillium expansum (isolate No.13) from location B. Furthermore, the acetonic extract exhibited the highest phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity compared with other solvent extracts from GCM. Gallic acid was the major identified phenolic compound. The polyphenolic acetonic extract reduced significantly the fungal growth and spore viability of the mycotoxigenic fungi at all concentrations used compared with the control. Also, the growth inhibition and the spore viability reduction were increased by increasing the concentration used. It could be concluded that the polyphenolic acetonic extract of GCM had a significant antifungal effect against mycotoxigenic fungi attacks pomegranate fruits.

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