Location: Biological Control of Pests Research
Project Number: 6066-42000-006-004-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2016
End Date: Aug 31, 2019
Objective:
1. Deploy new biocontrol strains in all participating states and compare their efficacy to either AflaGuard, AF36 or K49 in reducing aflatoxin contamination in maize.
2. Confirm the ability of biocontrol strains to displace aflatoxin producing strains in the field after treatment.
3. Determine the extent to which repeated applications of biocontrol strains results in sustained reduction in aflatoxin contamination in maize without the need for yearly applications.
Approach:
In vitro screening for secondary metabolites; greenhouse testing; field testing; molecular detection of biocontrol strains from environmental samples.
