STACHYBOTRYS ATRA GROWTH AND TOXIN PRODUCTION IN SOME BUILDING-MATERIALS AND FODDER UNDER DIFFERENT RELATIVE HUMIDITIES

Growth of Stachybotrys atra and its toxin production on some building materials and in animal fodder were studied at relative humidities ranging from 78 to 100%. Toxins were detected by biological assays and chemical methods. Strong growth of the fungus and presence of macrocyclic trichothecenes, mainly satratoxins G and H, were detected on wallpaper and gypsum boards and in hay and straw at saturation conditions. On pine panels, S. atra grew well, but neither biological toxicity nor production of macrocyclic trichothecenes was observed.