Prevention of Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize in Pakistan with Biological Control Based on Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus

1. Characterize aflatoxin-producing and closely related fungi infecting maize in Pakistan with emphasis on identification of native well adapted fungal genotypes of value in reducing aflatoxin contamination of maize through biological control. 2. Develop cost effective biological control of aflatoxins for maize production in Pakistan including low cost formulations and manufacturing and methods to encourage adoption by maize farmers. 3. Optimize biological control for preventing aflatoxin contamination in maize in Pakistan while increasing local private and public-sector capacities to utilize biological control as a central component of aflatoxin management programs.