PATULIN IN APPLE FRUITS: II. EFFECT OF APPLE TREATMENTS WITH SOME CHEMICAL SANITIZERS ON PATULIN PRODUCTION BY Penicillium expanusm
Penicillium expansum is a wide spread fungi found on apples that causes fruit decay and may lead to production of a toxic secondary metabolite, basically patulin. This study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of several chemical sanitizers against P. expansum NRRL 2304 and to establish sanitizing washing treatments that would inhibit P. expansum growth and subsequent patulin production on Anna apples destined for cider .Wash treatments with chemical sanitizers including NaOCl (100 to 200 ppm) Potassium sorbate (0.1 to 0.5% SO2(100 to 300 ppm) and acetic acid (0.5 and 3% The results showed that washing with NaOCl (200 ppm) delayed growth of P. expansum on inoculated apple discs but failed to completely inhibit patulin production. Acetic acid solutions (2 to 3% were the most efficient chemical against P. expansum and subsequent patulin production on apple juices. While no significant effect in patulin production was found by SO2 and potassium sorbate. The effect of pressing on molded Anna apple discs fruits was studied. The pressing resulted in a partially elimination of patulin in apple juices. Patulin in the final juices is dependent on initial the concentrations.