Gamma irradiation and medicinal plant extracts were tested for their capability to decrease deterioration and aflatoxins accumulation in stored maize grains. Irradiation of grains with 5 or 10 kGy effectively reduced the infection with Aspergillus flavus and other contaminated fungi for up to 3 months of storage. Also, these treatments greatly reduced aflatoxins (B1& B2) production in comparison to un-irradiated grains. The highest effect of irradiation was occurred by 10 kGy, which resulted in negligible incidence of A. flavus and the associated fungi as well as complete inhibition to aflatoxins production until the end of storage period.
Application of different concentrations of chloroform-methanol and/or aqueous extracts of thyme, tooth-pick, spider flower as well as tooth-brush caused significant reduction in the in vitro growth of A. flavus. Chloroform-methanol (2:1v/v) was effective than the aqueous extracts of the other medicinal plants. Tooth-pick extract caused the highest reduction to the fungal growth followed by thyme extract. Moreover, treatment of maize grains with chloroform­ methanol extract of thyme and tooth-pick, before storing for up to 20 to 60 days, greatly reduced the occurrence of A. flavus and the other fungi as well as aflatoxins production.