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Characterize influences of agrichemicals, including glyphosate and copper, on communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi and evaluate the potential for improved aflatoxin management through altered use of agrichemicals and improved biocontrol with chemical resistant atoxigenic strains. Improve understanding of the genetic relationships among aflatoxin-producing and closely related fungi with varying sensitivity to agrichemicals.
Approach:
Collections of Aspergillus flavus from agricultural environments in Arizona and Texas will be screened for sensitivity to agrichemicals. Relationships between chemical sensitivity and chemical exposure will be assessed. Genetic relationships among sensitive and resistant fungi will be assessed and barriers to gene flow among resistant and sensitive isolates evaluated. Competitiveness of resistant and sensitive fungi will be compared and attempts will be made to select atoxigenic strains with improved resistance to agrichemicals as elite biocontrol strains.