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<UL> <LI>Develop a context for commercial scale use of atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus for management of aflatoxins in South Texas.<LI> Determine influences of atoxigenic strain applications on the communities of aflatoxin producers associated with cotton and corn rotated with cotton in South Texas.<LI> Accumulate information useful for initiation of area-wide aflatoxin management programs in South Texas.<LI> Assess influences of crop rotations and tillage practices on the community composition of aflatoxin producing fungi in South Texas.
Approach: Field sampling and laboratory analyses will be used to assess influences of atoxigenic strains during commercial practice and to assess carry-over impacts to rotation crops. Commercial scale procedures for implementing atoxigenic strain use in South Texas will be pursued in collaboration with farmer and oil mill collaborators. Influences of tillage practice and rotation on fungal community structure and atoxigenic strain efficacy will be assessed. Results will be shared with the industry to develop a consensus on whether development of atoxigenic strain technology for South Texas should be pursued.