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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Biological Control of Pests Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #235586
Title: Sprayable Delivery System for Biological Control Agents to Manage Aflatoxin Contamination of Pre-Harvest Corn

Author
item Lyn, Margaret
item Abbas, Hamed
item Zablotowicz, Robert
item FENG, GUOLEI - MSU - MAFES
item Hicks, Leon
item Williams, Kelley
item Johnson, Bobbie

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/16/2008
Publication Date: 3/21/2009
Citation: Lyn, M.E., Abbas, H.K., Zablotowicz, R.M., Feng, G., Hicks, L.R., Williams, K.R., Johnson, B.J. 2009. Sprayable Delivery System for Biological Control Agents to Manage Aflatoxin Contamination of Pre-Harvest Corn. Meeting Abstract. American Chemical Society National Meeting. 237:AGFD-86.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Biocontrol strategies to reduce aflatoxin contamination of corn have relied on soil application although foliar delivery methods may be more suitable for corn. The development and efficacy of non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus K49 as a wetable granule formulation is presented. Clay-based water dispersible granules were produced using a pan granulator and dried to a water activity of 0.30 to preserve inoculum viability for a shelf life of over 2 years. Efficacy trials were conducted in a randomized complete block experiment in Mississippi. Grain colonization by K49 and toxin assays were assessed using cultural methods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify aflatoxin concentration. In non-treated controls, 50% of A. flavus were non-toxigenic compared to >90% in spray treatments with formulated or unformulated K49. Spray applications reduced aflatoxin by 97% compared to 65% for soil applications. Spray application of K49 appears effective in reducing aflatoxin and storability of the formulated product meets needs for commercialization.