Effect of essential oils from two Nigerian medicinal plants (Azadirachta indica and Morinda lucida) on growth and aflatoxin B-1 production in maize grain by a toxigenic Aspergillus flavus

The growth of a toxigenic Aspergillus flavus decreased progressively with increasing concentration of essential oils from leaves of azadirachta indica, Morinda lucida and seeds of A. indica incorporated into SMKY liquid medium. The oils also significantly reduced aflatoxin synthesis in inoculated maize grains. Oils from A. indica seeds completely suppressed aflatoxin synthesis in inoculated maize at 500 and 1000 ppm while those of M. lucida also showed complete inhibition at 1000 ppm.