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The overall objective of this project is to develop commercially viable methods for
control of fungal and insect pests which contribute to pre-harvest aflatoxin
contamination of tree nuts. The methods are to be environmentally benign and not
harmful to humans.<P> To control fungi, there are two main objectives. The first
objective for this project is to control mycotoxin-producing fungi using bacteria.
The second biocontrol effort is well underway and involves the biological control of
A. flavus in tree nut orchards using the saprophytic yeast Pichia anomala. The yeast
will also be examined to determine its effectiveness against other fungal pathogens,
e.g., Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp. The third objective of this project is also an
ongoing research effort. This objective entails development of semiochemical-based
low-risk control strategies against key insect pests of tree nuts. Insect feeding
damage is associated with the invasion of microbial pathogens and mycotoxin
contamination.
Develop mentods to control insect pests and toxic fungi of tree nuts. Insects include
naval orangeworm, codling moth and peach twig borer. Feeding damage by these insects
leads to infection by aflatoxigenic aspergilli. Control methods for insects are to be
environmentally benign and employ semiochemicals to disrupt insect behavior. <P> Control
of toxic fungi focuses on biological control using competitive or antagonistic
microorganisms. These microorganisms include either yeasts or bacteria that can be
mass-produced and effectively utilized in a variety of pre- or post harvest
environments. Replacing 5325-42000-031-00D (2/06).