EFFECTS OF SOME INSECT GROWTH-REGULATORS ON GROWTH OF ASPERGILLUS-FLAVUS AND ITS PRODUCTIVITY OF AFLATOXIN B-1 AND LIPIDS

Two insect growth regulators, namely CME 134 and Dowco 439, have been tested for their effect on growth and on aflatoxin B-1 and lipid produ ctivity in Aspergillus flavus. No effect on growth and lipid productio n was detected. However, various concentrations of CME 134 and Dowco 4 39 showed significant inhibitory effects on aflatoxin B-1 production. The degree of inhibition was dependent on the concentration and time o f application. Inhibition was observed when Dowco 439 was added at ino culation and again 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days after inoculation, as well as after the addition of either CME 134 or Dowco 439 to the individual cultures at inoculation and 3 days after inoculation. However, the ad dition of either CME 134 or Dowco 439 as late as 6 days after inoculat ion markedly decreased the inhibition of aflatoxin B-1 production.