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Determine selection criteria for next generation atoxigenic biological control agents through development of laboratory and population based assays and criteria. Delineate both association of specific fungal groups with target crops and genetic characteristics of value in monitoring fungi of interest and in selecting elite biocontrol fungi.
Approach:
Apply genetic methods to identify unique biological control agents and to associate specific fungal genetic groups with target crops and regions. Develop pyrosequencing assays to monitor specific fungi in the environment and during host infection. Utilize genomic approaches to identify traits of potential value in selecting next generation biological control agents for aflatoxin mitigation. Use crop based assays to rank relative desirability of atoxigenic strains for use in target agroecosystems.