ORIGINAL RESEARCH
The Effect of Heavy Metal Ions and Their
Complexions upon Growth, Sporulation and
Pathogenicity of the Entomopathogenic Fungus
Paecilomyces farinosus
D. Ropek1*, 2. A. Para
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1. Department of Environment Agricultural Protection, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
2. Department of Chemistry, University of Agriculture, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2003;12(2):227-230
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ABSTRACT
Heavy metal ions are harmful for entomopathogenic fungi. Derivatives of starch dialdehyde
such as dihydrazone (DHZ), dithiosemicarbazone (DTSC), and dioxime (DOX) were used to
form water-insoluble complexes with heavy metal ions. This phenomenon thus provided protection
of entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces farinosus from the toxic effects of heavy metal
ions. The fungus growth and the sporulation of mycelium was inhibited by heavy metal ions.
This fungus grown on medium with heavy metal ions was also less pathogenic to tested insects.
Because the metal complexes of DHZ, DTSC and DOX were non-toxic to P. farinosus these
complexons could protect entomopathogenic fungi from the toxic effects of metal ions, given
good approximation of empirical values.