Effects of fumonisin B1 on growth and metabolism of larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor

The chronic and acute toxicity of fumonisin B-1 (FB1), a mycotoxin from Fusarium moniliforme, to the larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio monitor, was assessed. The toxin was administered via the diet or injected directly into the larvae. Young T. molitor larvae fed on a diet containing 450 mu g FB1 per g diet exhibited reduced growth performance but only after consuming the fumonisin-contaminated diet for several weeks. FB1-contaminated diet also reduced the rate of carbon dioxide production, food consumption and protein metabolism. The concentrations of FB1 in the diet did not increase mortality, even when tested at the highest dose of 450 mu g FB1 per g of diet. Injection of 25 ng FB1 per larva decreased the CO2 production, but became significant only 11 days after the injection and was reversible with time. A parallel analysis of the retention of FB1 by the larvae indicated that about 40% of the ingested FB1 was excreted in the faeces.