Aflatoxin B -induced alterations in uptake and distribution of 65Zn-ZnCl2 by four Zea mays cultivars and toxin effects on root and stem elongations

Abstract

Aflatoxin Bl has been recovered within seemingly healthy, intact seeds, which suggests that its transport from contaminated soil to the fruit can occur. Previously, we examined the effects of 19.7 µg•<sup>-3</sup> mixed aflatoxins (AFTs) on the abilities of three <em>Zea mays</em> cultivars to remove Zn<sup>++</sup> from Perlite and the influence of Zn<sup>++</sup> on the cultivars' capabilities to both take-up and distribute AFTs. Here, we report both 2.5 and 5.0 µg aflatoxin B<sub>1</sub> (AFB<sub>1</sub>)cm<sup>-3</sup> influences on time-dependent, uptake and organ distribution of <sup>65</sup>Zn-ZnCl<sub>2</sub> from liquid culture by <em>Zea mays</em>, cvs. 'Early Yellow', 'Silver Queen', 'Early White' and `Golden Queen'. In addition, time-dependent seed germination as well as root and stem elongation responses to AFB1 are described. Neither 2.5 nor 5.0 µg AFB<sub>1</sub>cm<sup>-3</sup> affected the cultivars' abilities to germinate. Whereas an analysis of variance revealed significant differences for the combination cultivars, AFB<sub>1</sub> concentration and time regarding root elongation, such analysis for stem elongation yielded only a significant interaction between AFB<sub>1</sub> concentration and one cultivar at a time course's completion. As for <sup>65</sup>Zn-ZnCl<sub>2</sub> uptake, an ANOVA indicated that there were significant differences for the combination organs, cultivars and AFB<sub>1</sub> concentration. Certain results suggest <em>Zea mays</em> cultivar variability in susceptibility to exogenous AFB<sub>1</sub>. The significance of these findings is discussed.