Location: Pest Management and Biocontrol Research
Project Number: 2020-42000-023-017-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 9, 2018
End Date: Jul 29, 2022
Objective:
1. Characterize aflatoxin-producing and closely related fungi infecting maize in Pakistan with emphasis on identification of native well adapted fungal genotypes of value in reducing aflatoxin contamination of maize through biological control.
2. Develop cost effective biological control of aflatoxins for maize production in Pakistan including low cost formulations and manufacturing and methods to encourage adoption by maize farmers.
3. Optimize biological control for preventing aflatoxin contamination in maize in Pakistan while increasing local private and public-sector capacities to utilize biological control as a central component of aflatoxin management programs.
Approach:
Scientists and staff at Rafhan Maize, Faisalabad, and the United States Department of Agriculture, ARS (Agricultural Research Service) will collaborate in both laboratory based and field-based aspects as resources permit. Laboratory work will include microbiological and molecular aspects related to fungal characterization, as well as chemical quantification of aflatoxins which are mycotoxins of importance to health and economic wellbeing. The work will include development of biological control agents of potential value to farmers and industries in Pakistan and technology development and transfer to small scale farmers in the region.
