PHYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF FUMONISIN B-1 ON MAIZE SEEDLING GROWTH

Fumonisin B-1 toxin is produced by the fungus Fusarium moniliforme She ldon, which is systemic to maize (Zea mays L.) and maize seeds. The ef fects of zero to 100 parts per million fumonisin B-1 on the germinatio n process of maize seeds was determined. The presence of fumonisin had no effect on percent seed germination, but fumonisin inhibited radicl e elongation by up to 75% after 48 hours of imbibition. An analysis of amylase secretion in the maize endosperm indicated that fumonisins in hibited amylase production in the germinating seed. Isoelectric focusi ng of endosperm extracts indicated that secretion of the low pi class of amylases was affected more that other amylase isozymes. The results suggested that the presence of high levels of fumonisin in maize seed may have deleterious effects on seedling emergence.