Selection of Aspergillus flavus isolates for biological control of aflatoxins in corn

The fungus Aspergillus flavus is responsible for producing carcinogenic mycotoxins, the aflatoxins, on corn (maize) and other crops. An additional harmful toxin, cyclopiazonic acid, is produced by some isolates of A. flavus. Several A. flavus strains that do not produce one or both of these mycotoxins are being used in biological control to competitively exclude the toxin-producing strains from the agroecosystem, particularly from seeds, grain and other marketable commodities. Three well-studied non-aflatoxigenic strains, including two that are commercially available, have been compared in side-by-side field trials. The results of that study, together with a growing understanding of A. flavus ecology and new genetic insights, are guiding the selection of biocontrol strains and influencing crop management decisions for safe and sustainable production.