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Deterioration of Stored Pea Seed by Aspergillus ruber: Extraction and Properties of a Toxin. G. E. Harman, Assistant Professor of Seed Microbiology, Department of Seed Investigations, Cornell University, New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Geneva 14456; Phytopathology 62:206-208. Accepted for publication 1 September 1971. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-62-206.

Peas infected with Aspergillus ruber lost their ability to germinate normally in about 14 weeks, whereas sterile seeds under the same storage conditions were not affected. Aqueous extracts from infected peas induce necrosis and growth inhibition of healthy embryonic axes, but axes grow normally on extracts from noninfected seed. The toxic principle(s) is heat-stable, and a portion is dialyzable. It is partially soluble in methanol, ethanol, and 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone, but insoluble in absolute acetone, chloroform, or ethyl acetate. The properties of the toxic principle(s) from infected living peas or from A. ruber cultures on autoclaved peas are similar.