Inhibitory Effects of Selected Chemical Substances on the Growth of Filamentous Fungi Occurring in Cellar Management

This study evaluated the inhibitory efficacy of sulphur dioxide, hydrogen peroxide, copper sulphate pentahydrate, chlorine-based formulations, a chlorine-free formulation, ethanol, and acetic acid against Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum. An in vitro inhibition test was employed to investigate the inhibitory properties. The results demonstrated different sensitivities of filamentous fungi to the inhibitors. All tested substances displayed fungicidal properties. Sulphur dioxide (40% NH4HSO3 solution) inhibited growth at a 4% v/v concentration. No minimum effective concentration was established for H2O2; only a 30% w/v solution inhibited P. expansum. CuSO4·5H2O completely inhibited fungal growth at 5% w/v solution, with 2.5% w/v also proving effective. For the chlorine-based product, 40% w/v solution (48 g∙L−1 active chlorine) had the most substantial effect, though it only slowed growth, and NaClO solution completely inhibited growth at 2.35 g NaClO per 100 g of product (50% w/v solution). FungiSAN demonstrated fungicidal effects; however, the recommended dose was insufficient for complete inhibition. Ethanol exhibited the lowest efficacy, while the inhibitory threshold for CH3COOH was found to be a 5% v/v solution. The findings of this study may serve as a basis for informed decision-making when selecting the most suitable product, depending on specific application conditions.