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

The chronic and acute toxicity of fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), a mycotoxin from Fusarium moniliforme, to the larvae of the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, 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 µg 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 µg 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.