[Inhibition of the growth of branches of Caralluma frerei Rowl. by aflatoxin]

The vegetation points of branches of Caralluma frerei (Asclepiadaceae) were treated with 300, 100 and 30 ppm of crude aflatoxin (36% B1, 38% G1, 3% B2, 2% G2) and with toxin-free control. Application of 300 and 100 ppm aflatoxin resulted in stop of growth and death of the upper leaves and flower buds. Malformations or wilting was not observed in any case. Branches treated with 30 ppm aflatoxin and with control solution developed normally. It is concluced that under the experimental conditions used aflatoxin has an unspecific toxic effect.