Effect of Phosphine Fumigation on the Growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aflatoxin Production

The results of this study revealed significant effect of phosphine (PH3) on Aspergillus flavus growth. The percentages of growth reduction were 73%, 88% and 97% with the concentrations 2.5, 3.5, 4.5mg/ L, respectively. The percentages of inhibition for aflatoxin B1 and B2 were 52%, 67%, 84% and 20%, 40%, 60%, respectively on Czapek Dox Ager medium ,while the inhibition was 77%, 86.2%, 92.6% and 64%, 73%,89%, respectively on natural rice grain medium. The fungal growth and mycotoxin production increased again after two weeks from the exposure time, but with low level compared with control.