Aflatoxin B1—its effects on an in vitro plant system
Title:
Aflatoxin B1—its effects on an in vitro plant system
Author:
McLean, M. Watt, M. P. Berjak, P. Dutton, M. F.
Appeared in:
Food additives and contaminants. Pt. A, Chemistry, analysis, control, exposure & risk assessment
Paging:
Volume 12 (1995) nr. 3 pages 435-443
Year:
1995-05
Contents:
The phytotoxic effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on in vitro cultures of differentiating calli and regenerating plantlets of Nicotiana tabacum were assessed. Callus appeared more sensitive to the effects of AFB1, with fresh mass accumulation and callus chlorophyll levels affected at low (approximately 0.5 μg/ml) aflatoxin concentrations. Transmission electron microscopy revealed early deteriorative alterations in chloroplast morphology. Inhibitory effects of the toxin (up to and including 10 μg/ml) on callus fresh mass accumulation were reversed following a 3 week toxin-free recovery period. In tobacco plantlets, root and leaf development, and root and leaf mass were significantly inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion with increasing AFB1 concentration above 0.5 μg/ml. Inhibitory effects on plantlet root development were more pronounced that on leaf development.