Nontoxigenic Aspergillus flavus and Its Use in Controlling Aflatoxin Contamination in Peanuts and Corn

<p>To develop a commercially viable, nontoxigenic Aspergillus spp. product(s) for prevention or reduction of aflatoxin contamination in peanuts and/or corn.</p>

<p>Laboratory and small field plot studies will be used to determine if wild-type A. flavus strains, in an existing collection, are toxigenic or nontoxigenic, and if selected nontoxigenic straines are effective in reducing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts. Small field plot studies will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Afla-Guard TM in reducing aflatoxin contamination in corn. Also, the role of insects as vectors of toxigenic and nontoxigenic strains of A. flavus in corn will be evaluated by analysis of A. flavus strains associated with insect collected from corn ears. Various liquids, surfactants, and binders used in other pesticide formulations will be tested for suitability of use with spores of A. flavus NRRL 21882 with the goal of developing a liquid, spray able formulation that might be a more effective delivery system for corn than the currently formulated Afla-Guard. Alternative Alfa-Guard formulations will be tested to determine their shelf life, possible detrimental effect of formulation on A. flavus spores, and suitability of formulation for field application in corn. Also, experiments will be conducted to determine the best method of application for corn. All analyses for aflatoxin will be conducted by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) of appropriate extracts.</p>