Aspergillus flavus is one of the main fungi that are known to produce Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). AFB1 has been detected in many food products and reported to be a carcinogenic. Using a biocontrol agent against A. flavus can safely eliminate or reduce the occurrence of AFB1 in food. Therefore, the effects of four yeast strains of Pichia kluyveri on the growth and spore germination of A. flavus were studied. In addition, the effect of exposure of A. flavus to the yeast’s headspace, as well as the effects of different headspace concentrations of 2-phenyl ethyl acetate and ethyl acetate, on the growth of A. flavus were investigated. Growth of A. flavus and spore germination were significantly reduced by P. kluyveri. The yeast’s headspace significantly reduced the fungal growth. Furthermore, the volatile compound 2-phenyl ethyl acetate significantly reduced growth of A. flavus at a concentration of 5 µg/l with a complete growth inhibition at 60 µg/l. On the other hand, fungal growth was only significantly reduced at 40 µg/l concentration of ethyl acetate. It can be demonstrated that P. kluyveri is an effective biocontrol agent against growth of the aflatoxigenic A. flavus.
Aspergillus flavus, Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), Pichia kluyveri, Biocontrol, 2-Phenyl ethyl acetate, Ethyl acetate
