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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341307
Research Project: Biocontrol of Aflatoxin and Other Mycotoxins in Maize Using Non-toxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus

Location: Biological Control of Pests Research

Title: Biological control of aflatoxin contamination and pests in U.S. crops using formulations of corn starch-based bioplastic

Author
item Abbas, Hamed
item ACCINELLI, CESARE - University Of Bologna
item SHIER, THOMAS - University Of Minnesota

Submitted to: Gordon Research Conferences
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/5/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: For many years, these laboratories have studied the use of biological control methods to reduce aflatoxin contamination in harvested corn using non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates in grain-based granule and liquid formulations. More recently, research has focused on using various formulations of bioplastic granules as biocontrol agent delivery vehicles. Bioplastics are made from corn starch and are widely used to make biodegradable plastic bags and other items. Being carbohydrate-rich, bioplastics make ideal carriers for biocontrol agents, because they provide nutrients after application to plants or soil. We have shown that bioplastic granules are very effective as broadcast inoculated granules, liquid sprayable formulations and seed coatings for the delivery of non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus, consistently outperforming grain-based vehicles. Similar enhanced reductions in aflatoxin contamination have been observed in Northern Italy (Dr. Accinelli) and in the Mississippi Delta (Dr. Abbas). These patented bioplastic carrier formulations and application techniques are also being evaluated for other fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents for protection of seeds and plants from a variety of pathogens, such as damping off fungi.