Effect of essential oils on zearalenone and deoxynivalenol production by Fusarium graminearum in non-sterilized maize grain Original Research Article

The effect of cinnamon, clove, oregano, palmarosa and lemongrass oils on zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation by one isolate of Fusarium graminearum in non-sterilized naturally contaminated maize grain at 0.995 and 0.950 aw and at 20°C and 30°C was evaluated at a 500 mg kg−1 level. Efficacy of essential oils was found to be poor, clove essential oil being that with a broader applicability. In general, competing mycoflora seemed to control to a large extent ZEA and DON accumulation, and then the effectiveness of essential oils could only be observed under certain environmental conditions, 0.950 aw/30°C for ZEA, and 0.995 aw/30°C for DON. Better results might be obtained by applying higher dosages; sensory quality, however, should not be compromised.