INITIAL STUDY TO ESTABLISH PARAMETERS FOR USE OF ATOXIGENIC STRAINS OF A. FLAVUS IN SOUTH TEXAS FOR REDUCTION OF AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION

Develop a context for commercial scale use of atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus for management of aflatoxins in South Texas. Determine influences of atoxigenic strain applications on the communities of aflatoxin producers associated with cotton and corn rotated with cotton in South Texas. Accumulate information useful for initiation of area-wide aflatoxin management programs in South Texas. Assess influences of crop rotations and tillage practices on the community composition of aflatoxin producing fungi in South Texas.