MOLECULAR DIVERGENCE AND POPULATION GENETICS OF DIVERGING VEGETATIVE COMPATIBILITY GROUPS OF ASPERGILLUS FLAVUS

Characterize gene flow within and among vegetative compatibility groups of Aspergillus flavus. This will include characterizing molecular variability within and between vegetative compatability groups of Aspergillus flavus. The data will be used to provide a basis for risk assessment of atoxigenic strain technology used to manage aflatoxin contamination, to provide improved methods for selecting elite biocontrol agents, and to provide a database useful in developing molecular techniques for monitoring A. flavus communities.