The Effects of Patulin on the Development of Oncopeltus fasciatus

Patulin (4-hydroxy-4H-furo(3,2) pyran-2(6H)-one) (Figure 1) has been shown to be a potent antibiotic with toxic effects in in vitro and in vivo studies (Kawasaki et al., 1972; Lindroth and von Wright, 1978; Oswald et al., 1978; Sorenson et al., 1985). Patulin is produced by many species of Aspergillus and Penicillium. Patulin was identified in 1942 by Wiesner, who observed its antibacterial activity when isolated from an Aspergillus clavatus culture. The compound was given the appropriate name “clavicin”. Today both “clavicin” and “patulin” are commonly substituted. Patulin is considered a mycotoxin because of its toxicity and possible carcinogenic effects on higher life forms (Becci et al., 1981).