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Dr. Ranajit Bandyopadhyay
Principal Scientist

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0 Mycotoxins
0 Plant Pathology
0 maize
0 Aflatoxins
0 Sorghum

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Aflatoxins
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Short Biography

Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, from India, received his BSc (Hons) Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (1974) and MSc degrees from G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology and PhD (1980) from Haryana Agriculture University. Working from ICRISAT-India (1980 to 2001) and IITA-Nigeria (2002 to-date), Bandyopadhyay contributed to the management of seemingly intractable crop diseases in several African nations, India, Brazil, and the U.S. During the past 40 years, Bandyopadhyay has made several significant contributions in research, development, communication, education, and technology transfer to manage seemingly intractable disease problems in Africa, Australia and North and South America. He conducted work central to the control of devastating diseases of diverse crops such as sorghum, soybean, maize, banana, cowpea, cassava, and yams. He co-founded and leads an Africa-wide initiative to scale-up the aflatoxin biocontrol technology based on native atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus to limit crop aflatoxin content. As of 2020, his team registered 14 biocontrol products in 10 African countries while new product development is underway in 12 countries. Commercial partners manufacture and distribute products in eight countries where smallholder farmers have used them in nearly a million acres.

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Review article
Published: 08 July 2021 in Global Food Security
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In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to achieve peace and prosperity for all people in the planet. Meeting that ambitious agenda depends on fulfilling all objectives of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Multiple approaches by diverse actors, many of them interconnected, will allow achieving each SDG. However, with compromised food security and food safety, many SDGs will not be realized. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), maize and groundnut are two staple crops frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, which threaten food security and food safety. Aflatoxins are extremely dangerous compounds produced primarily by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Even at minute concentrations, aflatoxins negatively influence health, income, and trade sectors. Farmers, traders, industries, and consumers become affected. However, practical solutions exist. Non-aflatoxin producing isolates (referred to as atoxigenic) of A. flavus can decrease crop aflatoxin content when used in biocontrol formulations to competitively displace aflatoxin producers during crop development. Typically, treated crops contain 80%–100% less aflatoxin than non-treated crops. The technology was developed by USDA-ARS for use in the US and has been adapted and improved for use in SSA where several products under the tradename Aflasafe are available. There are biocontrol products registered for use in 10 SSA countries and more are being developed. On the other hand, although highly effective, biocontrol is not a panacea. Less aflatoxin occurs across value chains when biocontrol is combined with other practices. In this review, we discuss how i) aflatoxin biocontrol products are developed, manufactured, licensed, and commercialized, ii) aflatoxin management strategies are designed, and iii) integrated aflatoxin management is or will soon be contributing to achieve, in several countries, many targets of most SDGs. We present integrated aflatoxin management as a model intervention contributing to tackle several challenges impeding prosperity and peace in SSA.

ACS Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries. Global Food Security 2021, 30, 100559 .

AMA Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries. Global Food Security. 2021; 30 ():100559.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2021. "Contributions of integrated aflatoxin management strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in various African countries." Global Food Security 30, no. : 100559.

Article
Published: 30 May 2021 in Agronomy Journal
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Maize, an important source of calories and nutrients in sub-Saharan Africa is threatened by northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) caused by Exserohilum turcicum. This study examined combining ability and heterotic patterns of early-maturing (EM) maize inbreds, gene action conditioning NCLB resistance, performance of derived hybrids across environments, and identified testers. Fifteen each of white and yellow inbreds, were intercrossed using North Carolina Design II to obtain 75 hybrids per endosperm color. Hybrids plus six checks were inoculated with a virulent isolate of E. turcicum four weeks after planting in six inoculated and three non-inoculated environments in Nigeria, 2018 and 2019. Inbreds were assigned to heterotic groups using general combining ability (GCA) of multiple traits method. Specific combining ability (SCA), GCA, and genotype × environment interactions (G × E) were significant for grain yield (GYLD), disease severity, and other traits. NCLB caused 46% GYLD reduction. GCA effects were preponderant over SCA for GYLD and NCLB severity across environments indicating that hybridization and recurrent selection would enhance genetic gains and hybrid performance. White and yellow inbreds were placed in two and three heterotic groups, respectively. High-yielding NCLB resistant testers identified could be used to classify other inbreds yet to be field-tested into heterotic groups. TZEI 32 × TZEI 5 and TZEI 124 × TZEI 134 were identified as single-cross testers. TZEI 32 × TZEI 5, TZEI 5 × TZEI 75 (white) and TZEI 124 × TZEI 134, TZEI 124 × TZEI 11 (yellow) were identified for on-farm testing and possible commercialization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

ACS Style

Baffour Badu‐Apraku; Faith A. Bankole; Morakinyo A. B. Fakorede; Gregory Ogbe; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran. Combining ability and heterotic grouping of turcicum‐resistant early‐maturing maize inbreds. Agronomy Journal 2021, 113, 3560 -3577.

AMA Style

Baffour Badu‐Apraku, Faith A. Bankole, Morakinyo A. B. Fakorede, Gregory Ogbe, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran. Combining ability and heterotic grouping of turcicum‐resistant early‐maturing maize inbreds. Agronomy Journal. 2021; 113 (4):3560-3577.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Baffour Badu‐Apraku; Faith A. Bankole; Morakinyo A. B. Fakorede; Gregory Ogbe; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran. 2021. "Combining ability and heterotic grouping of turcicum‐resistant early‐maturing maize inbreds." Agronomy Journal 113, no. 4: 3560-3577.

Research article
Published: 01 May 2021 in Plant Disease
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Aflatoxin contamination is caused by Aspergillus flavus and closely related fungi. In The Gambia, aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize, two staple and economically important crops, is common. Groundnut and maize consumers are chronically exposed to aflatoxins, sometimes at alarming levels, and this has severe consequences on their health and productivity. Aflatoxin contamination also impedes commercialization in local and international premium markets. In neighboring Senegal, an aflatoxin biocontrol product containing four atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus, Aflasafe SN01, has been registered and is approved for commercial use in groundnut and maize. We detected that the four genotypes composing Aflasafe SN01 are also native to The Gambia. The biocontrol product was tested during two years in 129 maize and groundnut fields and compared with corresponding untreated fields cropped by smallholder farmers in The Gambia. Treated crops contained up to 100% less aflatoxins than untreated crops. A large portion of the crops could have been commercialized in premium markets due to the low aflatoxin content (in many cases no detectable aflatoxins), both at harvest and after storage. Substantial aflatoxin reductions were also achieved when commercially produced groundnut received treatment. Here we report for the first time the use and effectiveness of an aflatoxin biocontrol product registered for use in two nations. With the current scale-out and -up efforts of Aflasafe SN01, a large number of farmers, consumers, and traders in The Gambia and Senegal will obtain health, income, and trade benefits. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .

ACS Style

Lamine A. Senghor; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Joseph Atehnkeng; Patrick Jarju; P. J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflasafe SN01 is the First Biocontrol Product Approved for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Two Nations, Senegal and The Gambia. Plant Disease 2021, 105, 1461 -1473.

AMA Style

Lamine A. Senghor, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Joseph Atehnkeng, Patrick Jarju, P. J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflasafe SN01 is the First Biocontrol Product Approved for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Two Nations, Senegal and The Gambia. Plant Disease. 2021; 105 (5):1461-1473.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lamine A. Senghor; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Joseph Atehnkeng; Patrick Jarju; P. J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2021. "Aflasafe SN01 is the First Biocontrol Product Approved for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Two Nations, Senegal and The Gambia." Plant Disease 105, no. 5: 1461-1473.

Research article
Published: 23 March 2021 in Microbial Biotechnology
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Aflatoxin contamination of staple crops, commonly occurring in warm areas, negatively impacts human and animal health, and hampers trade and economic development. The fungus Aspergillus flavus is the major aflatoxin producer. However, not all A. flavus genotypes produce aflatoxins. Effective aflatoxin control is achieved using biocontrol products containing spores of atoxigenic A. flavus. In Africa, various biocontrol products under the tradename Aflasafe are available. Private and public sector licensees manufacture Aflasafe using spores freshly produced in laboratories adjacent to their factories. BAMTAARE, the licensee in Senegal, had difficulties to obtain laboratory equipment during its first year of production. To overcome this, a process was developed in Ibadan, Nigeria, for producing high‐quality dry spores. Viability and stability of the dry spores were tested and conformed to set standards. In 2019, BAMTAARE manufactured Aflasafe SN01 using dry spores produced in Ibadan and sent via courier and 19 000 ha of groundnut and maize in Senegal and The Gambia were treated. Biocontrol manufactured with dry spores was as effective as biocontrol manufactured with freshly produced spores. Treated crops contained safe and significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxin than untreated crops. The dry spore innovation will make biocontrol manufacturing cost‐efficient in several African countries.

ACS Style

Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran; Lawrence Kaptoge; Amadou L. Senghor; Morounranti O. S. Aikore; Patrick Jarju; Henry Momanyi; Matieyedou Konlambigue; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Can it be all more simple? Manufacturing aflatoxin biocontrol products using dry spores of atoxigenic isolates ofAspergillus flavusas active ingredients. Microbial Biotechnology 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran, Lawrence Kaptoge, Amadou L. Senghor, Morounranti O. S. Aikore, Patrick Jarju, Henry Momanyi, Matieyedou Konlambigue, Titilayo D. O. Falade, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Can it be all more simple? Manufacturing aflatoxin biocontrol products using dry spores of atoxigenic isolates ofAspergillus flavusas active ingredients. Microbial Biotechnology. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alejandro Ortega‐Beltran; Lawrence Kaptoge; Amadou L. Senghor; Morounranti O. S. Aikore; Patrick Jarju; Henry Momanyi; Matieyedou Konlambigue; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2021. "Can it be all more simple? Manufacturing aflatoxin biocontrol products using dry spores of atoxigenic isolates ofAspergillus flavusas active ingredients." Microbial Biotechnology , no. : 1.

Research article
Published: 23 March 2021 in Plant Disease
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Aflatoxins are potent Aspergillus mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed, thereby impacting health and trade. Biopesticides with atoxigenic A. flavus as active ingredients are used to reduce aflatoxin contamination in crops. The mechanism of aflatoxin biocontrol is primarily attributed to competitive exclusion but sometimes aflatoxin is reduced by greater amounts than can be explained by displacement of aflatoxin-producing fungi on the crop. Objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the ability of atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes to degrade aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and 2) characterize impacts of temperature, time, and nutrient availability on AFB1 degradation by atoxigenic A. flavus. Aflatoxin-contaminated maize was inoculated with atoxigenic isolates in three separate experiments that included different atoxigenic genotypes, temperature, and time as variables. Atoxigenic genotypes varied in aflatoxin degradation, but all degraded AFB1 > 44% after seven days at 30°C. The optimum temperature for AFB1 degradation was 25-30°C which is similar to the optimum range for AFB1 production. In a time-course experiment, atoxigenics degraded 40% of AFB1 within three days, and 80% of aflatoxin was degraded by day 21. Atoxigenic isolates were able to degrade and utilize AFB1 as a sole carbon source in a chemically defined medium, but quantities of AFB1 degraded declined as glucose concentrations increased. Degradation may be an additional mechanism through which atoxigenic A. flavus biocontrol products reduce aflatoxin contamination pre- and/or post-harvest. Thus, selection of optimal atoxigenic active ingredients can include assessment of both competitive ability in agricultural fields and their ability to degrade aflatoxins.

ACS Style

Lourena A Maxwell; Kenneth Callicott; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Hillary Laureen Mehl; Marc Joel Orbach; Peter Cotty. Degradation of aflatoxin B1 by atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus biocontrol agents. Plant Disease 2021, 1 .

AMA Style

Lourena A Maxwell, Kenneth Callicott, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Hillary Laureen Mehl, Marc Joel Orbach, Peter Cotty. Degradation of aflatoxin B1 by atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus biocontrol agents. Plant Disease. 2021; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Lourena A Maxwell; Kenneth Callicott; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Hillary Laureen Mehl; Marc Joel Orbach; Peter Cotty. 2021. "Degradation of aflatoxin B1 by atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus biocontrol agents." Plant Disease , no. : 1.

Journal article
Published: 31 January 2021 in Foods
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In most sub-Saharan African countries, staple cereal grains harbor many fungi and some produce mycotoxins that negatively impact health and trade. Maize and three small grain cereals (sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet) produced by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe during 2016 and 2017 were examined for fungal community structure, and total aflatoxin (AF) and fumonisin (FM) content. A total of 800 maize and 180 small grain samples were collected at harvest and during storage from four agroecological zones. Fusarium spp. dominated the fungi associated with maize. Across crops, Aspergillus flavus constituted the main Aspergillus spp. Small grain cereals were less susceptible to both AF and FM. AF (52%) and FM (89%) prevalence was higher in maize than in small grains (13–25% for AF and 0–32% for FM). Less than 2% of small grain samples exceeded the EU regulatory limit for AF (4 µg/kg), while <10% exceeded the EU regulatory limit for FM (1000 µg/kg). For maize, 28% and 54% of samples exceeded AF and FM Codex guidance limits, respectively. Higher AF contamination occurred in the drier and hotter areas while more FM occurred in the wetter year. AF exposure risk assessment revealed that small grain consumption posed low health risks (≤0.02 liver cancer cases/100,000 persons/year) while maize consumption potentially caused higher liver cancer rates of up to 9.2 cases/100,000 persons/year depending on the locality. Additionally, FM hazard quotients from maize consumption among children and adults were high in both years, but more so in a wet year than a dry year. Adoption of AF and FM management practices throughout the maize value chain coupled with policies supporting dietary diversification are needed to protect maize consumers in Zimbabwe from AF- and FM-associated health effects. The higher risk of health burden from diseases associated with elevated concentration of mycotoxins in preferred maize during climate change events can be relieved by increased consumption of small grains.

ACS Style

Juliet Akello; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Bwalya Katati; Joseph Atehnkeng; Joao Augusto; Chama Mwila; George Mahuku; David Chikoye; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Prevalence of Aflatoxin- and Fumonisin-Producing Fungi Associated with Cereal Crops Grown in Zimbabwe and Their Associated Risks in a Climate Change Scenario. Foods 2021, 10, 287 .

AMA Style

Juliet Akello, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Bwalya Katati, Joseph Atehnkeng, Joao Augusto, Chama Mwila, George Mahuku, David Chikoye, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Prevalence of Aflatoxin- and Fumonisin-Producing Fungi Associated with Cereal Crops Grown in Zimbabwe and Their Associated Risks in a Climate Change Scenario. Foods. 2021; 10 (2):287.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Juliet Akello; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Bwalya Katati; Joseph Atehnkeng; Joao Augusto; Chama Mwila; George Mahuku; David Chikoye; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2021. "Prevalence of Aflatoxin- and Fumonisin-Producing Fungi Associated with Cereal Crops Grown in Zimbabwe and Their Associated Risks in a Climate Change Scenario." Foods 10, no. 2: 287.

Research article
Published: 18 December 2020 in Microbial Biotechnology
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Human populations in Kenya are repeatedly exposed to dangerous aflatoxin levels through consumption of contaminated crops. Biocontrol with atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus is an effective method for preventing aflatoxin in crops. Although four atoxigenic A. flavus isolates (C6E, E63I, R7H and R7K) recovered from maize produced in Kenya are registered as active ingredients for a biocontrol product (Aflasafe KE01) directed at preventing contamination, natural distributions of these four genotypes prior to initiation of commercial use have not been reported. Distributions of the active ingredients of KE01 based on haplotypes at 17 SSR loci are reported. Incidences of the active ingredients and closely related haplotypes were determined in soil collected from 629 maize fields in consecutive long and short rains seasons of 2012. The four KE01 haplotypes were among the top ten most frequent. Haplotype H‐1467 of active ingredient R7K was the most frequent and widespread haplotype in both seasons and was detected in the most soils (3.8%). The four KE01 haplotypes each belonged to large clonal groups containing 27–46 unique haplotypes distributed across multiple areas and in 21% of soils. Each of the KE01 haplotypes belonged to a distinct vegetative compatibility group (VCG), and all A. flavus with haplotypes matching a KE01 active ingredient belonged to the same VCG as the matching active ingredient as did all A. flavus haplotypes differing at only one SSR locus. Persistence of the KE01 active ingredients in Kenyan agroecosystems is demonstrated by detection of identical SSR haplotypes six years after initial isolation. The data provide baselines for assessing long‐term influences of biocontrol applications in highly vulnerable production areas of Kenya.

ACS Style

Md‐Sajedul Islam; Kenneth A. Callicott; Charity Mutegi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Peter J. Cotty. Distribution of active ingredients of a commercial aflatoxin biocontrol product in naturally occurring fungal communities across Kenya. Microbial Biotechnology 2020, 14, 1331 -1342.

AMA Style

Md‐Sajedul Islam, Kenneth A. Callicott, Charity Mutegi, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Peter J. Cotty. Distribution of active ingredients of a commercial aflatoxin biocontrol product in naturally occurring fungal communities across Kenya. Microbial Biotechnology. 2020; 14 (4):1331-1342.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Md‐Sajedul Islam; Kenneth A. Callicott; Charity Mutegi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Peter J. Cotty. 2020. "Distribution of active ingredients of a commercial aflatoxin biocontrol product in naturally occurring fungal communities across Kenya." Microbial Biotechnology 14, no. 4: 1331-1342.

Research article
Published: 19 November 2020 in Plant Disease
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In the tropics and subtropics, maize and other crops are frequently contaminated with aflatoxins by Aspergillus flavus. Treatment of crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus formulated into biocontrol products can significantly reduce aflatoxin contamination. Treated crops contain up to 100% less aflatoxins compared to untreated crops. However, there is the notion that protecting crops from aflatoxin contamination may result in increased accumulation of other toxins, particularly fumonisins produced by a few Fusarium species. The objective of this study was to determine if treatment of maize with aflatoxin biocontrol products increased fumonisin concentration and fumonisin-producing fungi in grains. Over 200 maize samples from fields treated with atoxigenic biocontrol products in Nigeria and Ghana were examined for fumonisin content and contrasted with maize from untreated fields. Apart from low aflatoxin levels, most treated maize also harbored fumonisin levels considered safe by the European Union (< 1 part per million). Most untreated maize also harbored equally low fumonisin levels but contained higher aflatoxin levels. In addition, during one year, we detected considerably less Fusarium spp. densities in treated maize than in untreated maize. Our results do not support the hypothesis that treating crops with atoxigenic isolates of A. flavus used in biocontrol formulations results in higher grain fumonisin levels.

ACS Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Daniel Agbetiameh; Joseph Atehnkeng; Titilayo D.O. Falade; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Does the use of atoxigenic biocontrol products to mitigate aflatoxin in maize increase fumonisin content in grains? Plant Disease 2020, 1 .

AMA Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Daniel Agbetiameh, Joseph Atehnkeng, Titilayo D.O. Falade, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Does the use of atoxigenic biocontrol products to mitigate aflatoxin in maize increase fumonisin content in grains? Plant Disease. 2020; ():1.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Daniel Agbetiameh; Joseph Atehnkeng; Titilayo D.O. Falade; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2020. "Does the use of atoxigenic biocontrol products to mitigate aflatoxin in maize increase fumonisin content in grains?" Plant Disease , no. : 1.

Short review
Published: 12 September 2020 in Crop Protection
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Northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) incited by the fungus Exserohilum turcicum is a foliar disease that significantly limits maize production and productivity in West and Central Africa (WCA), particularly in the mid-altitudes but during the last decade it has become a menace in lowland agro-ecologies. The most economical and environmentally friendly disease management strategy is the cultivation of maize varieties resistant or tolerant to NCLB. However, no early maturing (EM) and extra-early maturing (EEM) NCLB resistant varieties are commercially available in WCA. One hundred inbred lines each of EM and EEM derived from tropical maize germplasm were inoculated with a virulent isolate of E. turcicum at five locations in Nigeria during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons. The objective of the study was to identify promising NCLB resistant lines and to investigate inter-relationships among the traits. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant genotype and genotype by environment (G × E) interactions for disease severity, grain yield (GYLD), and other agronomic traits. The average disease severity (TURC) values ranged from 1.9 to 5.8 and 2.9 to 5.7 for the EM and EEM inbred lines, respectively. The levels of reaction of the inbred lines to NCLB ranged from highly resistant to highly susceptible. Stepwise regression analysis showed that ears per plant, ear and plant aspects were significantly influenced by the disease scores. Ears per plant, ear and plant aspects, TURC and GYLD traits were employed to develop a base index (BI) for selecting NCLB resistant inbred lines for hybrid development. TZEI 135 and TZEEI 1 were outstanding in GYLD and also had the highest positive BI values in the EM and EEM inbred lines, respectively. The identification of NCLB resistant lines in this study has set the premise for development of NCLB resistant hybrids for WCA as well as the improvement of tropical maize breeding populations for NCLB resistance.

ACS Style

Baffour Badu-Apraku; Faith Ayobami Bankole; Babatope Samuel Ajayo; Morakinyo Abiodun Bamidele Fakorede; Richard Olutayo Akinwale; Abidemi Olutayo Talabi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. Identification of early and extra-early maturing tropical maize inbred lines resistant to Exserohilum turcicum in sub-Saharan Africa. Crop Protection 2020, 139, 105386 .

AMA Style

Baffour Badu-Apraku, Faith Ayobami Bankole, Babatope Samuel Ajayo, Morakinyo Abiodun Bamidele Fakorede, Richard Olutayo Akinwale, Abidemi Olutayo Talabi, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. Identification of early and extra-early maturing tropical maize inbred lines resistant to Exserohilum turcicum in sub-Saharan Africa. Crop Protection. 2020; 139 ():105386.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Baffour Badu-Apraku; Faith Ayobami Bankole; Babatope Samuel Ajayo; Morakinyo Abiodun Bamidele Fakorede; Richard Olutayo Akinwale; Abidemi Olutayo Talabi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. 2020. "Identification of early and extra-early maturing tropical maize inbred lines resistant to Exserohilum turcicum in sub-Saharan Africa." Crop Protection 139, no. : 105386.

Journal article
Published: 18 June 2020 in Biological Control
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Biological control is one of the recommended methods for aflatoxin mitigation. Biocontrol products must be developed, and their efficacy demonstrated before widespread use. Efficacy of two aflatoxin biocontrol products, Aflasafe GH01 and Aflasafe GH02, were evaluated in 800 maize and groundnut farmers’ fields during 2015 and 2016 in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Upper East, and Upper West regions of Ghana. Both products were developed after an extensive examination of fungi associated with maize and groundnut in Ghana. Each product contains as active ingredient fungi four Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to atoxigenic African Aspergillus Vegetative Compatibility Groups (AAVs) widely distributed across Ghana. An untreated field was maintained for each treated field to determine product efficacy. Proportions of atoxigenic AAVs composing each product were assessed in soils before product application, and soils and grains at harvest. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of toxigenic fungi occurred in both crops during both years, in all five regions. Biocontrol-treated crops consistently had significantly (P < 0.05) less aflatoxins (range = 76% to 100% less; average = 99% less) than untreated crops. Results indicate that both biocontrol products are highly efficient, cost-effective, environmentally safe tools for aflatoxin mitigation. Most crops from treated fields could have been sold in both local and international food and feed premium markets. Adoption and use of biocontrol products have the potential to improve the health of Ghanaians, and both income and trade opportunities of farmers, aggregators, distributors, and traders.

ACS Style

Daniel Agbetiameh; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Richard T. Awuah; Joseph Atehnkeng; Abuelgasim Elzein; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana. Biological Control 2020, 150, 104351 .

AMA Style

Daniel Agbetiameh, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Richard T. Awuah, Joseph Atehnkeng, Abuelgasim Elzein, Peter J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana. Biological Control. 2020; 150 ():104351.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniel Agbetiameh; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Richard T. Awuah; Joseph Atehnkeng; Abuelgasim Elzein; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2020. "Field efficacy of two atoxigenic biocontrol products for mitigation of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in Ghana." Biological Control 150, no. : 104351.

Review
Published: 01 April 2020 in Agronomy
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Aflatoxin contamination of important food and feed crops occurs frequently in warm tropical and subtropical regions. The contamination is caused mainly by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin contamination negatively affects health and trade sectors and causes economic losses to agricultural industries. Many pre- and post-harvest technologies can limit aflatoxin contamination but may not always reduce aflatoxin concentrations below tolerance thresholds. However, the use of atoxigenic (non-toxin producing) isolates of A. flavus to competitively displace aflatoxin producers is a practical strategy that effectively limits aflatoxin contamination in crops from field to plate. Biocontrol products formulated with atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients have been registered for use in the US, several African nations, and one such product is in final stages of registration in Italy. Many other nations are seeking to develop biocontrol products to protect their crops. In this review article we present an overview of the biocontrol technology, explain the basis to select atoxigenic isolates as active ingredients, describe how formulations are developed and tested, and describe how a biocontrol product is used commercially. Future perspectives on formulations of aflatoxin biocontrol products, along with other important topics related to the aflatoxin biocontrol technology are also discussed.

ACS Style

Juan Moral; Maria Teresa Garcia-Lopez; Boris X. Camiletti; Ramon Jaime; Themis J. Michailides; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. Present Status and Perspective on the Future Use of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Products. Agronomy 2020, 10, 491 .

AMA Style

Juan Moral, Maria Teresa Garcia-Lopez, Boris X. Camiletti, Ramon Jaime, Themis J. Michailides, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. Present Status and Perspective on the Future Use of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Products. Agronomy. 2020; 10 (4):491.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Juan Moral; Maria Teresa Garcia-Lopez; Boris X. Camiletti; Ramon Jaime; Themis J. Michailides; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran. 2020. "Present Status and Perspective on the Future Use of Aflatoxin Biocontrol Products." Agronomy 10, no. 4: 491.

Journal article
Published: 01 February 2020 in Plant Disease
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Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut and maize infected by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi is common throughout Senegal. The use of biocontrol products containing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains to reduce crop aflatoxin content has been successful in several regions, but no such products are available in Senegal. The biocontrol product Aflasafe SN01 was developed for use in Senegal. The four active ingredients of Aflasafe SN01 are atoxigenic A. flavus genotypes native to Senegal and distinct from active ingredients used in other biocontrol products. Efficacy tests on groundnut and maize in farmers’ fields were carried out in Senegal during the course of 5 years. Active ingredients were monitored with vegetative compatibility analyses. Significant (P < 0.05) displacement of aflatoxin producers occurred in all years, districts, and crops. In addition, crops from Aflasafe SN01-treated fields contained significantly (P < 0.05) fewer aflatoxins both at harvest and after storage. Most crops from treated fields contained aflatoxin concentrations permissible in both local and international markets. Results suggest that Aflasafe SN01 is an effective tool for aflatoxin mitigation in groundnut and maize. Large-scale use of Aflasafe SN01 should provide health, trade, and economic benefits for Senegal. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2020 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .

ACS Style

L. A. Senghor; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; J. Atehnkeng; K. A. Callicott; P. J. Cotty; R. Bandyopadhyay. The Atoxigenic Biocontrol Product Aflasafe SN01 Is a Valuable Tool to Mitigate Aflatoxin Contamination of Both Maize and Groundnut Cultivated in Senegal. Plant Disease 2020, 104, 510 -520.

AMA Style

L. A. Senghor, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, J. Atehnkeng, K. A. Callicott, P. J. Cotty, R. Bandyopadhyay. The Atoxigenic Biocontrol Product Aflasafe SN01 Is a Valuable Tool to Mitigate Aflatoxin Contamination of Both Maize and Groundnut Cultivated in Senegal. Plant Disease. 2020; 104 (2):510-520.

Chicago/Turabian Style

L. A. Senghor; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; J. Atehnkeng; K. A. Callicott; P. J. Cotty; R. Bandyopadhyay. 2020. "The Atoxigenic Biocontrol Product Aflasafe SN01 Is a Valuable Tool to Mitigate Aflatoxin Contamination of Both Maize and Groundnut Cultivated in Senegal." Plant Disease 104, no. 2: 510-520.

Article
Published: 26 November 2019 in European Journal of Plant Pathology
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Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB), caused by the fungus Bipolaris maydis, is a disease that significantly affects maize productivity across the globe. A detached leaf assay (DLA) was developed to rapidly assess maize resistance to SCLB. Several experiments were conducted to: (i) identify a highly virulent B. maydis isolate; and to determine the most appropriate (ii) phytohormone to maintain viability of maize leaf tissue, (iii) leaf age for the assay, and (iv) inoculum concentration. Once optimized, the DLA was compared with screenhouse and field experiments. Use of DLA required a maximum of 28 days for resistance assessment, in contrast to screenhouse and field tests at a minimum of 33 and 72 days, respectively. DLA positively correlated with screenhouse (r = 0.48, P = 0.08) and field experiments (r = 0.68, P = 0.008). Assessments of diverse B. maydis strains and host genotypes indicated that the DLA could be used to detect both highly virulent SCLB strains and highly resistant maize genotypes. Here we report that DLA is a rapid, reliable technique to screen maize resistance to SCLB. Use of this tool in maize breeding programs can speed up the process of identification of sources of resistance to multiple variants of SCLB.

ACS Style

Elizabeth Aregbesola; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Titilayo Falade; Gbolagade Jonathan; Sarah Hearne; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. A detached leaf assay to rapidly screen for resistance of maize to Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of southern corn leaf blight. European Journal of Plant Pathology 2019, 156, 133 -145.

AMA Style

Elizabeth Aregbesola, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Titilayo Falade, Gbolagade Jonathan, Sarah Hearne, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. A detached leaf assay to rapidly screen for resistance of maize to Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of southern corn leaf blight. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 2019; 156 (1):133-145.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Elizabeth Aregbesola; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Titilayo Falade; Gbolagade Jonathan; Sarah Hearne; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2019. "A detached leaf assay to rapidly screen for resistance of maize to Bipolaris maydis, the causal agent of southern corn leaf blight." European Journal of Plant Pathology 156, no. 1: 133-145.

Original research article
Published: 08 November 2019 in Frontiers in Microbiology
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In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), diverse fungi belonging to Aspergillus section Flavi frequently contaminate staple crops with aflatoxins. Aflatoxins negatively impact health, income, trade, food security, and development sectors. Aspergillus flavus is the most common causal agent of contamination. However, certain A. flavus genotypes do not produce aflatoxins (i.e., are atoxigenic). An aflatoxin biocontrol technology employing atoxigenic genotypes to limit crop contamination was developed in the United States. The technology was adapted and improved for use in maize and groundnut in SSA under the trademark Aflasafe. Nigeria was the first African nation for which an aflatoxin biocontrol product was developed. The current study includes tests to assess biocontrol performance across Nigeria over the past decade. The presented data on efficacy spans years in which a relatively small number of maize and groundnut fields (8–51 per year) were treated through use on circa 36,000 ha in commercially-produced maize in 2018. During the testing phase (2009–2012), fields treated during one year were not treated in the other years while during commercial usage (2013–2019), many fields were treated in multiple years. This is the first report of a large-scale, long-term efficacy study of any biocontrol product developed to date for a field crop. Most (>95%) of 213,406 tons of maize grains harvested from treated fields contained 90%) contained 80% less aflatoxin content than untreated crops. The frequency of the biocontrol active ingredient atoxigenic genotypes in grains from treated fields was significantly higher than in grains from control fields. A higher proportion of grains from treated fields met various aflatoxin standards compared to grains from untreated fields. Results indicate that efficacy of the biocontrol product in limiting aflatoxin contamination is stable regardless of environment and cropping system. In summary, the biocontrol technology allows farmers across Nigeria to produce safer crops for consumption and increases potential for access to premium markets that require aflatoxin-compliant crops.

ACS Style

Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Joseph Atehnkeng; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Adebowale Akande; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Peter J. Cotty. “Ground-Truthing” Efficacy of Biological Control for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Farmers’ Fields in Nigeria: From Field Trials to Commercial Usage, a 10-Year Study. Frontiers in Microbiology 2019, 10, 2528 .

AMA Style

Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Joseph Atehnkeng, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Adebowale Akande, Titilayo D. O. Falade, Peter J. Cotty. “Ground-Truthing” Efficacy of Biological Control for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Farmers’ Fields in Nigeria: From Field Trials to Commercial Usage, a 10-Year Study. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2019; 10 ():2528.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Joseph Atehnkeng; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Adebowale Akande; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Peter J. Cotty. 2019. "“Ground-Truthing” Efficacy of Biological Control for Aflatoxin Mitigation in Farmers’ Fields in Nigeria: From Field Trials to Commercial Usage, a 10-Year Study." Frontiers in Microbiology 10, no. : 2528.

Journal article
Published: 31 October 2019 in International Journal of Food Microbiology
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Maize is an important staple crop for the majority of the population in Uganda. However, in tropical and subtropical climates, maize is frequently contaminated with aflatoxins, a group of cancer-causing and immuno-suppressive mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. In Uganda, there is limited knowledge about the causal agents of aflatoxin contamination. The current study determined both the aflatoxin levels in pre-harvest maize across Uganda and the structures of communities of aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with the maize. A total of 256 pre-harvest maize samples were collected from 23 major maize-growing districts in eight agro-ecological zones (AEZ). Maize aflatoxin content ranged from 0 to 3760 ng/g although only around 5% for Ugandan thresholds. For EU it is about 16% of the samples contained aflatoxin concentrations above tolerance thresholds. A total of 3105 Aspergillus section Flavi isolates were recovered and these were dominated by the A. flavus L morphotype (89.4%). Densities of aflatoxin-producing fungi were negatively correlated with elevation. Farming systems and climatic conditions of the AEZ are thought to have influenced communities' structure composition. Fungi from different AEZ varied significantly in aflatoxin-producing abilities and several atoxigenic genotypes were identified. The extremely high aflatoxin concentrations detected in some of the studied regions indicate that management strategies should be urgently designed for use at the pre-harvest stage. Atoxigenic genotypes detected across Uganda could serve as aflatoxin biocontrol agents to reduce crop contamination from fields conditions and throughout the maize value chain.

ACS Style

Julius P. Sserumaga; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; John M. Wagacha; Charity K. Mutegi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2019, 313, 108376 .

AMA Style

Julius P. Sserumaga, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, John M. Wagacha, Charity K. Mutegi, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2019; 313 ():108376.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Julius P. Sserumaga; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; John M. Wagacha; Charity K. Mutegi; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2019. "Aflatoxin-producing fungi associated with pre-harvest maize contamination in Uganda." International Journal of Food Microbiology 313, no. : 108376.

Journal article
Published: 26 September 2019 in Toxins
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In warm agricultural areas across the globe, maize, groundnut, and other crops become frequently contaminated with aflatoxins produced primarily by the fungus Aspergillus flavus. Crop contamination with those highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds impacts both human and animal health, as well as the income of farmers and trade. In Nigeria, poultry productivity is hindered by high prevalence of aflatoxins in feeds. A practical solution to decrease crop aflatoxin content is to use aflatoxin biocontrol products based on non-toxin-producing strains of A. flavus. The biocontrol product Aflasafe® was registered in 2014 for use in maize and groundnut grown in Nigeria. Its use allows the production of aflatoxin-safe maize and groundnut. A portion of the maize treated with Aflasafe in Nigeria is being used to manufacture feeds used by the poultry industry, and productivity is improving. One of the conditions to register Aflasafe with the national regulator was to demonstrate both the safety of Aflasafe-treated maize to avian species and the impact of Aflasafe as a public good. Results presented here demonstrate that the use of maize colonized by an atoxigenic strain of Aflasafe resulted in superior (p < 0.05) broiler performance in all evaluated parameters in comparison to broilers fed with toxigenic maize. Use of an aflatoxin-sequestering agent (ASA) was not sufficient to counteract the harmful effects of aflatoxins. Both the safety and public good value of Aflasafe were demonstrated during our study. In Nigeria, the availability of aflatoxin-safe crops as a result of using Aflasafe allows poultry producers to improve their productivity, their income, and the health of consumers of poultry products.

ACS Style

M. O. Samuel Aikore; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Daisy Eruvbetine; Joseph Atehnkeng; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Performance of Broilers Fed with Maize Colonized by Either Toxigenic or Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus with and without an Aflatoxin-Sequestering Agent. Toxins 2019, 11, 565 .

AMA Style

M. O. Samuel Aikore, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Daisy Eruvbetine, Joseph Atehnkeng, Titilayo D. O. Falade, Peter J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Performance of Broilers Fed with Maize Colonized by Either Toxigenic or Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus with and without an Aflatoxin-Sequestering Agent. Toxins. 2019; 11 (10):565.

Chicago/Turabian Style

M. O. Samuel Aikore; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Daisy Eruvbetine; Joseph Atehnkeng; Titilayo D. O. Falade; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2019. "Performance of Broilers Fed with Maize Colonized by Either Toxigenic or Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus with and without an Aflatoxin-Sequestering Agent." Toxins 11, no. 10: 565.

Original research article
Published: 06 September 2019 in Frontiers in Microbiology
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Increasing knowledge of the deleterious health and economic impacts of aflatoxin in crop commodities has stimulated global interest in aflatoxin mitigation. Current evidence of the incidence of Aspergillus flavus isolates belonging to vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) lacking the ability to produce aflatoxins (i.e., atoxigenic) in Ghana may lead to the development of an aflatoxin biocontrol strategy to mitigate crop aflatoxin content. In this study, 12 genetically diverse atoxigenic African A. flavus VCGs (AAVs) were identified from fungal communities associated with maize and groundnut grown in Ghana. Representative isolates of the 12 AAVs were assessed for their ability to inhibit aflatoxin contamination by an aflatoxin-producing isolate in laboratory assays. Then, the 12 isolates were evaluated for their potential as biocontrol agents for aflatoxin mitigation when included in three experimental products (each containing four atoxigenic isolates). The three experimental products were evaluated in 50 maize and 50 groundnut farmers’ fields across three agroecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana during the 2014 cropping season. In laboratory assays, the atoxigenic isolates reduced aflatoxin biosynthesis by 87–98% compared to grains inoculated with the aflatoxin-producing isolate alone. In field trials, the applied isolates moved to the crops and had higher (P < 0.05) frequencies than other A. flavus genotypes. In addition, although at lower frequencies, most atoxigenic genotypes were repeatedly found in untreated crops. Aflatoxin levels in treated crops were lower by 70–100% in groundnut and by 50–100% in maize (P < 0.05) than in untreated crops. Results from the current study indicate that combined use of appropriate, well-adapted isolates of atoxigenic AAVs as active ingredients of biocontrol products effectively displace aflatoxin producers and in so doing limit aflatoxin contamination. A member each of eight atoxigenic AAVs with superior competitive potential and wide adaptation across AEZs were selected for further field efficacy trials in Ghana. A major criterion for selection was the atoxigenic isolate’s ability to colonize soils and grains after release in crop field soils. Use of isolates belonging to atoxigenic AAVs in biocontrol management strategies has the potential to improve food safety, productivity, and income opportunities for smallholder farmers in Ghana.

ACS Style

Daniel Agbetiameh; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Richard T. Awuah; Joseph Atehnkeng; Md-Sajedul Islam; Kenneth A. Callicott; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Potential of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Vegetative Compatibility Groups Associated With Maize and Groundnut in Ghana as Biocontrol Agents for Aflatoxin Management. Frontiers in Microbiology 2019, 10, 2069 .

AMA Style

Daniel Agbetiameh, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Richard T. Awuah, Joseph Atehnkeng, Md-Sajedul Islam, Kenneth A. Callicott, Peter J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Potential of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Vegetative Compatibility Groups Associated With Maize and Groundnut in Ghana as Biocontrol Agents for Aflatoxin Management. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2019; 10 ():2069.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Daniel Agbetiameh; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Richard T. Awuah; Joseph Atehnkeng; Md-Sajedul Islam; Kenneth A. Callicott; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2019. "Potential of Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Vegetative Compatibility Groups Associated With Maize and Groundnut in Ghana as Biocontrol Agents for Aflatoxin Management." Frontiers in Microbiology 10, no. : 2069.

Journal article
Published: 22 July 2019 in Toxins
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Across sub-Saharan Africa, chili peppers are fundamental ingredients of many traditional dishes. However, chili peppers may contain unsafe aflatoxin concentrations produced by Aspergillus section Flavi fungi. Aflatoxin levels were determined in chili peppers from three states in Nigeria. A total of 70 samples were collected from farmers’ stores and local markets. Over 25% of the samples contained unsafe aflatoxin concentrations. The chili peppers were associated with both aflatoxin producers and atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus genotypes. Efficacy of an atoxigenic biocontrol product, Aflasafe, registered in Nigeria for use on maize and groundnut, was tested for chili peppers grown in three states. Chili peppers treated with Aflasafe accumulated significantly less aflatoxins than nontreated chili peppers. The results suggest that Aflasafe is a valuable tool for the production of safe chili peppers. Use of Aflasafe in chili peppers could reduce human exposure to aflatoxins and increase chances to commercialize chili peppers in premium local and international markets. This is the first report of the efficacy of any atoxigenic biocontrol product for controlling aflatoxin in a spice crop.

ACS Style

Chibundu N. Ezekiel; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Eniola O. Oyedeji; Joseph Atehnkeng; Philip Kössler; Folasade Tairu; Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon; Petr Karlovsky; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflatoxin in Chili Peppers in Nigeria: Extent of Contamination and Control Using Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Genotypes as Biocontrol Agents. Toxins 2019, 11, 429 .

AMA Style

Chibundu N. Ezekiel, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Eniola O. Oyedeji, Joseph Atehnkeng, Philip Kössler, Folasade Tairu, Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon, Petr Karlovsky, Peter J. Cotty, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. Aflatoxin in Chili Peppers in Nigeria: Extent of Contamination and Control Using Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Genotypes as Biocontrol Agents. Toxins. 2019; 11 (7):429.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Chibundu N. Ezekiel; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Eniola O. Oyedeji; Joseph Atehnkeng; Philip Kössler; Folasade Tairu; Irmgard Hoeschle-Zeledon; Petr Karlovsky; Peter J. Cotty; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay. 2019. "Aflatoxin in Chili Peppers in Nigeria: Extent of Contamination and Control Using Atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus Genotypes as Biocontrol Agents." Toxins 11, no. 7: 429.

Review
Published: 01 July 2019 in Agronomy
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Soybean rust (SBR), caused by Phakopsora spp., is a major global concern for soybean producers. SBR causing fungi are polycyclic and obligate biotrophs, rendering the study of their biology particularly tedious. Over the past four decades, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the epidemiology of the disease, the identification of sources of resistance, and the mapping of soybean loci conferring resistance to P. pachyrhizi (Rpp genes), since this species is particularly well established and widespread in many soybean growing areas. Although host-plant resistance is generally considered as the most desirable solution from an environmental, economic, and social perspective, other disease control approaches such as agronomic practices and chemical application are also important, and influence rust epidemiology as well as the durability of host plant resistance. This review focusses primarily on genetic aspects of SBR management and summarizes the research in the following areas: SBR symptoms, aetiology, pathogenic variation and population structure of Phakopsora populations, expression of soybean resistance to Phakopsora infection, genetics and molecular diagnostics of host resistance to pathogen, and resistance gene deployment approaches. Finally, the role of multidisciplinary strategies is discussed for achieving higher durability of SBR resistance in soybean.

ACS Style

Subhash Chander; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Parvender Sheoran; Gbemisola Oluwayemisi Ige; Marta W. Vasconcelos; Ana Luisa Garcia-Oliveira. Prospects for Durable Resistance Against an Old Soybean Enemy: A Four-Decade Journey from Rpp1 (Resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi) to Rpp7. Agronomy 2019, 9, 348 .

AMA Style

Subhash Chander, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Parvender Sheoran, Gbemisola Oluwayemisi Ige, Marta W. Vasconcelos, Ana Luisa Garcia-Oliveira. Prospects for Durable Resistance Against an Old Soybean Enemy: A Four-Decade Journey from Rpp1 (Resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi) to Rpp7. Agronomy. 2019; 9 (7):348.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Subhash Chander; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Parvender Sheoran; Gbemisola Oluwayemisi Ige; Marta W. Vasconcelos; Ana Luisa Garcia-Oliveira. 2019. "Prospects for Durable Resistance Against an Old Soybean Enemy: A Four-Decade Journey from Rpp1 (Resistance to Phakopsora pachyrhizi) to Rpp7." Agronomy 9, no. 7: 348.

Article
Published: 25 September 2018 in Euphytica
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Aflatoxin accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels is a serious economic and health problem that reduces grain quality and nutritional values and causes death to livestock and humans. Understanding the genetic parameters and heterotic responses of exotic maize inbred lines can facilitate their use for developing aflatoxin resistant parents of hybrids in Africa. This study was designed to (1) determine the heterotic affinities of aflatoxin resistant exotic lines, (2) identify exotic inbreds with good combining ability, and (3) determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to aflatoxin contamination in these lines. A line × tester mating design was used to determine combining ability of 12 yellow and 13 white inbreds and classify them into heterotic groups. The inbreds were crossed to two adapted testers representing two African heterotic groups and the resulting testcrosses along with hybrid checks were evaluated in separate trials at two locations for 2 years in Nigeria. General combining ability (GCA) effects were more important than specific combining ability effects for aflatoxin and grain yield. Among 15 exotic inbred lines having negative GCA effects for aflatoxin and 13 with positive GCA effects for grain yield, six combined the two desired traits. Five white and six yellow endosperm testcrosses were found to be good specific combiners for the two desired traits. The exotic lines with negative GCA effects for aflatoxin accumulation will be used as donor parents to develop backcross populations for generating new inbred lines with much higher levels of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation.

ACS Style

Silvestro Meseka; W. Paul Williams; Marilyn L. Warburton; Robert L. Brown; Joao Augusto; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Abebe Menkir. Heterotic affinity and combining ability of exotic maize inbred lines for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Euphytica 2018, 214, 184 .

AMA Style

Silvestro Meseka, W. Paul Williams, Marilyn L. Warburton, Robert L. Brown, Joao Augusto, Alejandro Ortega-Beltran, Ranajit Bandyopadhyay, Abebe Menkir. Heterotic affinity and combining ability of exotic maize inbred lines for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. Euphytica. 2018; 214 (10):184.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Silvestro Meseka; W. Paul Williams; Marilyn L. Warburton; Robert L. Brown; Joao Augusto; Alejandro Ortega-Beltran; Ranajit Bandyopadhyay; Abebe Menkir. 2018. "Heterotic affinity and combining ability of exotic maize inbred lines for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation." Euphytica 214, no. 10: 184.