The plant growth regulator methyl jasmonate inhibits aflatoxin B1 production by Aspergillus parasiticus in caper

Aflatoxins, produced by some aflatoxigenic strains of the Aspergillus species, are known as potent carcinogenic. Aflatoxin biosynthesis involves lipid peroxidation with the presence of fatty acid hydroperoxides promoting aflatoxin production. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) derives from α-linolenic acid and is a plant growth regulator, produced as a response to stress, such as by environment or pathogen attack. This study reports on the effect of MeJA added on A. parasiticus growth and AFB1 production in caper, an edible plant of Greek origin used as condiment. AFB1 determination in caper was performed by using HPLC-FD. Five different concentrations of MeJA, 10 Μ, 10 Μ, 10Μ, 10 Μ, and 10 Μ, were added in caper samples and the kinetic of the AFB1 production by A.parasiticus was studied for an incubation period of 15 days. Results revealed that MeJA affects AFB1 production by A. parasiticus in a dose-dependent manner. MeJA at a concentration of 10 -6 M stimulated AFB1 production after the 9th day of incubation. MeJA at concentrations of 10 M and 10M decreased moderately AFB1 output. Finally, MeJA added to the caper samples at a concentration of 10 Μ and 10 Μ inhibited AFB1 by 97.74% and 98.42% respectively on the 12th day of observation.