Impact of ecophysiological factors on biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination of maize by atoxigenic aspergillus flavus strains

This study has (a) evaluated the biodiversity in toxigenic mycobiota associated with maize from subsistence farmers’ stores in five climatic regions of Lesotho in two seasons, (b) compared the effect of ecophysiological factors on interactions between atoxigenic (AFL-) and toxigenic (AFL+) Aspergillus strains and control of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of maize, (c) examined the mechanism of action of AFL- strains in relation to mycelial growth rate, sporulation, germination rate, germ tube extension, C-source utilisation patterns and hydrolytic enzymes and (d) examined ecophysiological approaches to enhance competitiveness of the atoxigenic strains. Cont/d

Biocontrol of mycotoxins: dynamics and mechanisms of action

This paper discusses the relationship between biocontrol agents (BCAs) and mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxin control. In most cases BCAs are examined for control of growth of fungal pathogens and disease symptoms. However, for mycotoxin control the approach and focus needs to be different. The mechanism of action and the inoculum dose necessary for control of toxin production by Aspegillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species may be different from that for traditional fungal plant pathogens. The mechanisms of action, the relative inoculum potential and the impact that interacting environmental conditions have on control of key components of the life cycle of mycotoxigenic fungi are considered. The practical aspects of production and formulation hurdles are discussed and potential future approaches and strategies which may need to be considered for more effective biocontrol of mycotoxigenic fungi and mycotoxins are presented