Unravelling the inhibition mechanism of 1-octene-3-ol combined with 3-heptene-2-one on Aspergillus flavus and its application in the preservation of wolfberries

The antifungal activity of six microbial-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) [ 3-hepten-2-one (Hep), cis-3-octen-1-ol, 3-methylvalerate, isovalerate, 1-octen-3-ol (Oct), and 2-methylbutyrate] against Aspergillus flavus was investigated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI). The results demonstrated that all 15 binary combinations of the VOCs presented additive effects against A. flavus . Among them, the combination of Hep and Oct, refers to C OH , with concentrations of 2 μL L −1 and 2.5 μL L −1 , respectively, displayed the most potent antifungal effect with the lowest concentration, in contrast to the individual MIC of Hep or Oct, which were reduced to 1/8 and 1/2. C OH can induce membrane lipid peroxidation, enhance cell membrane permeability, and cause leakage of nucleic acids and proteins within the cell, and 1-octen-3-ol might play a leading role. Finally, applying C OH at a concentration of 1/2 MIC Oct + 1/4 MIC Hep could effectively restrain the spread of A. flavus on wolfberries and exhibit excellent preservation effects. This study validates the antifungal effect of C OH and may serve as a natural alternative to antimicrobial agents for post-harvest agricultural products.