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. 1974 Nov;28(5):763–767. doi: 10.1128/am.28.5.763-767.1974

Aspergillus flavus Infection and Aflatoxin Production in Corn: Influence of Trace Elements

E B Lillehoj 1, W J Garcia 1, M Lambrow 1
PMCID: PMC186821  PMID: 4216287

Abstract

Distribution of trace element levels in corn germ fractions from kernels naturally infected with Aspergillus flavus and from kernels free of the fungus demonstrated an association between the presence of A. flavus and higher levels of metals. A. flavus production of aflatoxin on various autoclaved corn media showed that ground, whole corn was an excellent substrate; similar high levels of toxin were observed on full-fat corn germ but endosperm and defatted corn germ supported reduced yields. The influence of trace elements and their availability in defatted corn germ to A. flavus-mediated aflatoxin biosynthesis were measured. Enrichment of the substrate with 5 to 10 μg of manganese, copper, cadmium, or chromium per g of germ increased toxin yields. Addition of lead or zinc (50 to 250 μg/g) also enhanced toxin accumulation. Aflatoxin elaboration was reduced by the addition of 25 μg of cadmium per g or 500 μg of copper per g of germ.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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