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Characterize adaptive differences among aflatoxin-producing fungi in their interactions with host plants and utilize on farm sampling to describe interactions between the life cycle of the causal agent and agronomic practices and in so doing define optimal windows for implementation of biological control and other interventions.
Approach:
Genetic groups identified by ongoing ARS programs will be contrasted in field tests and controlled environment laboratory tests for variation in ability to colonize and decay host tissues using newly developed methods. Host samples from farmer fields in key target regions with severe contamination will be analyzed with novel microbiological assays. Coordination of sampling with farmers will test importance of various agronomic practices on the A. flavus life cycle.