Vol. 10, Issue 11 (2021)

Author(s):
Hadil MonVallooran, John Kennedy Z, Paranitharan V and Karthikeyan S

Abstract:
This study was aimed at analysing the effect of water activity on the growth rate and lag phase of Aspergillus flavus isolated from dried chili and chili powder samples. Isolates are grown on agar containing 3% chili powder extract. The diameter of each isolate in different water activities was measured for 12 days on a 24 hour interval. Analysis showed that different water activities have an impact on the growth rate and lag phase of A. flavus. All the isolates showed good growth on a range of 0.95–0.99 a_w, while media with 0.88 a_w didn’t show any A. flavus growth. Favorable growth conditions may allow mold to produce hazardous mycotoxins.