Environmental Conditions

Different environmental conditions, including ambient temperatures, insect predation, soil nutrients, and overgrazing can induce plants to produce more toxins.

In one study, the total glycoalkaloid content of potatoes grown under insect stress was significantly higher than for control potatoes (Hlywka et al 1994).

Plants grown with high concentrations of sulfate fertilizer are more goitrogenic than plants grown with normal levels of sulfates.

Clover that is stressed when overgrazed by sheep will produce higher levels of phytoestrogens.

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Prepared Summer 1997 by Bernadene Magnuson, Ph.D.
University of Idaho, Dept. of Food Science and Toxicology - EXTOXNET FAQ Team.