DEVELOPMENT OF RAPID, NON-DESTRUCTIVE HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING METHODOLOGY TO MEASURE FUNGAL GROWTH AND AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION

Identify, and quantify aflatoxin-producing fungi on corn, using a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging system. Produce spectral libraries for fungus alone and in infected corn. Determine spectral differences between different corn varieties, resistant and susceptible to aflatoxin contamination and infected and un-infected with aflatoxin producing fungi. Develop rapid, non-destructive hyperspectral imaging methodology to measure fungal growth and aflatoxin in corn kernels and spectral signatures associated with traits for resistance to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination in corn kernels. Test system's effectiveness in laboratory and field situations.