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<OL> <LI> Improve the technology of aflatoxin management with atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus through laboratory, field-plot, and commercial field evaluations of cotton; the determination of agronomic practices that optimize the efficacy of atoxigenic strain applications. <LI>Determine behavior of A. flavus in soil and identify factors that dictate strain success. <LI>Delineate adaptation and divergence among aflatoxin producing fungi with goal of improved criteria for selection and monitoring of elite strains.
Develop methodology for production of commercially needed quantities of atoxigenic strain inoculum so that the manufacturing process is compatible with production facilities that can be run by grower based organizations. Develop criteria and methodology for implementation of area-wide aflatoxin management programs which utilize atoxigenic strains of A. flavus as key management tools. Apply genetic methods to quantify phylogenetic relationships among strains of A. flavus and to gain insights on ancestral versus adaptive traits. Combine genetic and physiologic approaches to identify adaptive traits and delineate the extent to which geographical and ecological divergence has arisen within aflatoxin producing taxa. FY01 $449,010 Program Increase.