Mold inhibitory activity of an N-oxime ether

A N-oxime ether (CG-97967), representative of a new class of mold inhibitors that have promising in vitro activity, was tested for activity in unaltered corn meal. Using inhibition of the production of respiratory CO2 as the criterion of antifungal activity, the N-oxime ether was equal or superior to propionic acid in three batches of corn meal. Further testing against pure cultures of fungi, yeast, and bacteria revealed that the experimental compound was unstable and was inactivated by heating, which caused an oxidative decarboxylation. These results suggest that use of the N-oxime ether would be inappropriate in pelleted poultry feed.