Some fungicides and growth inhibitor/biocontrol-enhancer 2-deoxy-D-glucose increase patulin from Penicillium expansum strains in vitro

This study assessed the effect of disease control agents, fungicides and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (DOG), on a mycotoxin, patulin, production by strains of Penicillium expansion. Fungicides and DOG were added individually to agar on which the fungus was then grown. In an initial screen of six fungicides, three indicated that patulin was stimulated. These were tested further at a range of concentrations and colony diameters (cd) and patulin production were measured. Although patulin production appeared similar at each concentration in most cases, cd were reduced by fungicide in two out of three cases. So patulin was stimulated in relation to the diameter of the fungal colonies. This is interesting from an academic standpoint and also has applied relevance to fruit producers. In addition, the growth inhibitor and biocontrol-enhancer DOG appeared to stimulate patulin production although results were not statistically significant. The effect of fungal control agents on mycotoxin production requires consideration. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.