Inhibition effect of 2-ethylhexanol against Aspergillus flavus and aflatoxin B1 mainly by disrupting cell membrane and downregulating genes related to ergosterol synthesis and aflatoxins global regulator

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To provide insights into the antifungal effect of 2-ethylhexanol, its effects on Aspergillus flavus spore germination, aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1 ) production, cell damage, related gene expression, and control of A. flavus in maize, wheat, and peanuts were evaluated. A. flavus spore germination was completely inhibited by 2-ethylhexanol at 0.17 μL/mL using fumigation method, or at 0.78 μL/mL using liquid mixing method. A. flavus biomass and AFB 1 content were substantially reduced, the cell wall and cell membrane were disrupted by 2-ethylhexanol, causing cell content leakage, reactive oxygen species accumulation, and DNA damage. Furthermore, A. flavus genes related to ergosterol synthesis and aflatoxins global regulator were downregulated by 2-ethylhexanol. The A. flavus population, free fatty acid and AFB 1 content of the three tested grains were notably reduced by 2-ethylhexanol fumigation. These results demonstrated the potential application value of 2-ethylhexanol in the control of A. flavus in food and grains.