Jerry W. Kirksey

Desmethoxyviridiol, a new toxin from Nodulisporium hinnuleum

Abstract A new mycotoxin obtained from culture extracts of Nodulisporium hinnuleum was determined to be desmethoxyviridiol (C19H16O5,). The toxin had an oral median lethal dose of 4.2mg/kg in 1-day-old cockerels. Desmethoxyviridiol also produced plant-growth regulating and phytotoxic effects in plant systems. The physical and chemical characteristics of desmethoxyviridiol are described.

Verruculotoxin, a new mycotoxin from Penicillium verruculosum

Abstract A toxigenic mold identified as Penicillium verruculosum Peyronel was found during screening for toxic fungal isolates from green peanuts. The major toxic metabolite, purified by column chromatography, had an LD50 of about 20 mg/kg when given orally to 1-day-old cockerels. Chemical and physical data on the purified toxin showed a molecular formula of C15H20N2O and strongly suggested that it contained a secondary amide with a monosubstituted aromatic ring not in conjugation with the amide function. Data from this toxin did not correspond to those from any previously reported toxic fungal metabolite; therefore, this toxin may represent a totally new class of mycotoxins.