ARS | Publication request: Aspergillus flavus genetic diversity of corn fields treated with non-toxigenic strain afla-guard in the southern U.S

Submitted to: American Phytopathology Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 19, 2012
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Aspergillus flavus genetic diversity of corn fields treated with the non-toxigenic strain Afla-Guard (NRRL 21882) was determined for 384 A. flavus isolates from 14 locations within 6 states in the southern U.S. ELISA test has determined low levels of toxigenic strains (only 91 positive). Nearly half of the strains (n=174) were positive for cyclopiazonic acid (CPA). Sixty-six of these isolates were positive for both aflatoxin and CPA. Sequencing of selected strains within each location will determine isolates that possess the aflatoxin gene cluster, and/or the type of mutations/ deletions that they possess within the cluster. This data will aid in developing monitoring methodology to trace biological control agents in the field and to understand the dynamics of A. flavus in the field.