Inhibition of fungal growth and infection in maize grains by spice oils

Essential oils of 12 spices were tested for inhibitory activity against fungal infection and mycelial growth in post‐harvest maize grains during storage. It was observed that the oils of cassia, clove (30 μl/g grain and above), star‐anise (40 μl/g grain and above, geranium (30 μl/g grain and above) and basil (50 μl/g grain) inhibit the in viuo mycelial growth of established seed‐borne infections of Aspergillus flavus, Curvularia pallescens and Chaetomium indicum as well as preventing infection following inoculation with A. flavus, A. glaucus, A. niger and A. sydowi. These oils also preserved the grain from natural A. flavus infection during the experimental period. Nutmeg, ginger and cumin oil (all at 50 μ1/g grain) could check mould growth and grain infection for only a brief period.