EFFECT OF LOW DOSE GAMMA IRRADIATION ON GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN PRODUCTION BY ASPERGILLUS PARASITICUS1

Abstract

Spores and growing vegetative mycelia of Aspergillus parasiticus strains NRRL 2999 and NRRL 3000 were irradiated at 100 and 200 Krad, and the effects on growth and aflatoxin production in yeast-extract sucrose (YES) broth were measured. Irradiation of growing mycelia reduced subsequent growth in YES broth by a greater amount than irradiation of spores. Irradiation of spores at 100 Krad resulted in more B1 and G1 production by strain NRRL 2999 than the non-irradiated control, however, strain NRRL 3000 produced less aflatoxins B1 and G1 after irradiation at 100 Krad than its non-irradiated control. Spores of both strains irradiated at 200 Krad produced less aflatoxins B1 and G1 than non-irradiated controls. Irradiation of growing vegetative mycelia of both strains at 100 and 200 Krad resulted in a definite decline in both aflatoxins B1 and G1 in subsequent cultures at each irradiation level. Apparent stimulation of production of both B1 and G1 occurred after irradiation of spores of strain NRRL 2999 at 100 Krad. However, the variation of the values as determined by the standard deviation was such that one would conclude that no differences existed among means. The apparent stimulation was slight and of much less magnitude than that which has been reported by other investigators using A. flavus. No stimulation of toxin production was observed with the other strain when grown from irradiated spores or with either strain when vegetative mycelia were irradiated.