Biological Control of Aflatoxin and Cyclopiazonic Acid Contamination of Crops Using a Nontoxigenic Strain of Aspergillus Flavus

The invention relates to novel non-toxigenic strains of Aspergillus including Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus), Aspergillus parasiticus (A. parasiticus), Aspergillus oryzae (A. oryzae), and Aspergillus sojae (A. sojae) on agriculturally acceptable carriers; and to methods for the control of toxin contamination in agricultural commodities using non-toxigenic strains of A. flavus, A. parasiticus, A. oryzae, and A. sojae. These strains do not produce aflatoxin, any bis-furan ring-containing intermediates of the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway and cyclopiazonic acid. They are also useful for controlling toxin damage to crops such as corn, peanuts, cotton, and tree nuts. The method of the invention is applicable to any agricultural commodity which is grown for human consumption and/or which is damaged by fungal toxins such as peanuts, corn, cotton. etc.

Please refer to Patent Number 6,027,724, which issued on February 22, 2000.

Joe W. Dorner National Peanut Research Laboratory Dawson, GA 31742 (912) 995-4441

Richard J. Cole (Same as first inventor) Bruce W. Horn (Same as first inventor)