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Perform and analyze large scale field evaluations of the use of atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus to prevent aflatoxin contamination in commercial cotton fields, and further the development of this technology.
Atoxigenic strain material for field tests will be produced and commercial cotton fields in areas with a high incidence of contamination will be treated. Technical and scientific support will be applied to sampling and analyzing soils within and adjacent to commercial fields treated with atoxigenic strains. Efforts will be made to determine temporary and long term influences of strain aplications, as well as influences outside of the target fields. The work will involve activity in Arizona, as well as work performed in New Orleans. Laboratory tests will be applied to further process development. Detailed analysis of the distribution of aflatoxin content within treated and control crops will be performed.