Teratogenic potential of blighted potato concentrate in rabbits, hamsters, and miniature swine

Freeze-dried preparations of potatoes infected with phytophthora infestans or Alternaria solani were fed to pregnant hamsters, rabbits, and miniature swine. No evidence was observed that these diets or the extracts of respective blights were capable of producing teratologic effects in hamsters. Lesions of neurulation and anencephaly were noticed in rabbits and swine, respectively. The need for further pharmacological and toxicological evaluation in sensitive species is emphasized.