Effect of Volatile Components of Carrot Seed Oil on Growth and Aflatoxin Production by Aspergillus parasiticus

The effect of the volatile fraction of carrot seed oil (VCSO) and its components on the growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus was studied. Geraniol, citral and terpineol prevented growth and therefore aflatoxin production. VCSO inhibited growth and no aflatoxin was produced. Limonene and terpinene did not affect growth but inhibited aflatoxin production. The addition of VCSO, limonene and terpinene decreased the rate of primary metabolism as demonstrated by the higher final pH of the medium. VCSO, limonene and terpinene reduced the growth rate, measured by the incorporation of [ 3 H] amino acids into trichloracetic acid (TCA) insoluble protein. The addition of VCSO at anytime up to 5 days reduced the aflatoxin accumulation at 7 days.