PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1ST FUNGAL GENOMICS, 2ND FUMONISIN ELIMINATION AND 14TH AFLATOXIN ELIMINATION WORKSHOPS

Authors: Riley, Ronald; Robens, Jane

Submitted to: Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop Proceedings
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/2002
Publication Date: 10/23/2001
Citation: RILEY, R.T., ROBENS, J.F. Editors. PROCEEDINGS OF THE 1ST FUNGAL GENOMICS, 2ND FUMONISIN ELIMINATION AND 14TH AFLATOXIN ELIMINATION WORKSHOPS. AFLATOXIN ELIMINATION WORKSHOP PROCEEDINGS. USDA-Agricultural Research Service. Beltsville, MD. 2002. p.1-184.

Interpretive Summary: Aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 are now considered to be the most important food borne mycotoxins worldwide, and the year 2001 was an especially important one from an international regulatory perspective. Developing and implementing approaches for reducing aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in export commodities is urgently needed if the US is to remain competitive in these markets. This years' workshop featured the Fungal Genomics Workshop. The promise of genomics is that it will provide the fundamental knowledge required to understand the complex interaction between the plant host and the fungus and the regulatory circuits that govern mycotoxin biosynthesis. Other workshops included the 2nd Fumonisin Elimination Workshop and the 14th Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop. The sponsors of all three 2001 workshops in Phoenix were the National Cotton Council, the National Cottonseed Products Association, the Cotton Foundation, Cotton Incorporated, and the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council. USDA-ARS sponsored research to resolve the problem of aflatoxin contamination of cottonseed has met with many successes. This year's workshop featured a site visit to the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council Facility in Phoenix. This facility is undoubtedly the best example of what can be accomplished through well funded collaborative research efforts between ARS, industry and university scientists.

Technical Abstract: Aflatoxin B1 and fumonisin B1 are now considered to be the most important food borne mycotoxins worldwide, and the year 2001 was an especially important one from an international regulatory perspective. Developing and implementing approaches for reducing aflatoxin and fumonisin levels in export commodities is urgently needed if the US is to remain competitive in these markets. This years' workshop featured the Fungal Genomics Workshop. The promise of genomics is that it will provide the fundamental knowledge required to understand the complex interaction between the plant host and the fungus and the regulatory circuits that govern mycotoxin biosynthesis. Other workshops included the 2nd Fumonisin Elimination Workshop and the 14th Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop. The sponsors of all three 2001 workshops in Phoenix were the National Cotton Council, the National Cottonseed Products Association, the Cotton Foundation, Cotton Incorporated, and the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council. USDA-ARS sponsored research to resolve the problem of aflatoxin contamination of cottonseed has met with many successes. This year's workshop featured a site visit to the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council Facility in Phoenix. This facility is undoubtedly the best example of what can be accomplished through well funded collaborative research efforts between ARS, industry and university scientists.