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<p>Perform research on development of specific assays to quantify usage of aflatoxin biological control agents in Nigeria with the goal of supporting the provision of incentives to optimize biological control usage in the region and assist scientists at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Nigeria in learning to apply the developed assays to assessment of aflatoxin-biocontrol end-user performance.</p>
<p>The atoxigenic strains of A. flavus currently in development in Nigeria will be the focus of these studies. Techniques useful in detecting and quantifying use of the target atoxigenic strains on the maize crop will be developed to provide performance data based on crop sampling, isolation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and quantitative pyrosequencing. The work will include validation and refinement of assays, as well as, assistance in the training of collaborating Africa based scientists and the building of capacity in the target nation. Field and laboratory experience will be used to troubleshoot the assays and optimize them for the intended use in assessment of biological control activities.</p>