Food and Feed Safety Research

        Research directed towards;

• Using a molecular approach to gain fundamental understanding of the regulation of aflatoxin biosynthesis at the gene level.

• Characterization of antifungal compounds and genes governing production of antifungal compounds for use in biotechnological applications to control toxin-producing fungi or other fungi that reduce the quality and safety of foods and feeds.

• Elucidation of the mechanisms governing expression of genes/enzymes which govern aflatoxin synthesis during the plant-fungus interaction.

• Manipulation of agroecosystems involving complex interactions between the toxin-producing fungus, other endemic microflora and the crop plant to reduce levels of fungus and/or toxin in field environments.

• Characterization of the mechanisms of induction of isoflavonoids in legumes and phytoestrogen activities of these compounds in animal systems.

• Integration of research information into practical procedures for assuring a safe, domestic supply of food and feed.