Aflasafe SN01 is the first biocontrol product approved for aflatoxin mitigation in two nations, Senegal and The Gambia

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.

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The Atoxigenic Biocontrol Product Aflasafe SN01 Is a Valuable Tool to Mitigate Aflatoxin Contamination of Both Maize and Groundnut Cultivated in Senegal

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-03-19-0575-re ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 104 (2) ◽

pp. 510-520 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

L. A. Senghor ◽

A. Ortega-Beltran ◽

J. Atehnkeng ◽

K. A. Callicott ◽

P. J. Cotty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Open Access ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Large Scale ◽

International Markets ◽

Economic Benefits ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Active Ingredients ◽

Aflatoxin Content ◽

Open Access Article ◽

Aspergillus Section

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 .

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Reduction in Aflatoxin Content of Maize by Atoxigenic Strains of Aspergillus flavus

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-54.8.623 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 54 (8) ◽

pp. 623-626 ◽

Cited By ~ 104

Author(s):

ROBERT L. BROWN ◽

PETER J. COTTY ◽

THOMAS E. CLEVELAND

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Biological Control Agents ◽

Field Plot ◽

Toxigenic Strain ◽

Aflatoxin Content ◽

Potential Use

In field plot experiments, an atoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus interfered with preharvest aflatoxin contamination of corn when applied either simultaneously with or one day prior to a toxigenic strain. The atoxigenic strain reduced preharvest aflatoxin contamination 80 to 95%. The atoxigenic strain was also effective in reducing postharvest aflatoxin contamination caused by both an introduced toxigenic strain and by strains resident on the kernels. The results suggest that atoxigenic strains of A. flavus may have potential use as biological control agents directed at reducing both preharvest and postharvest aflatoxin contamination of corn.

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Effects of Genotype and Date of Harvest on Infection of Peanut Seed by Aspergillus flavus and Subsequent Contamination with Aflatoxin1

Peanut Science ◽

10.3146/i0095-3679-13-2-1 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 46-50 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

V. K. Mehan ◽

D. McDonald ◽

N. Ramakrishna ◽

J. H. Williams

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Field Trials ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

The Other ◽

Seed Infection ◽

Peanut Seed ◽

Aflatoxin Content ◽

Peanut Crop ◽

Increased Susceptibility

Abstract Several peanut genotypes reported as resistant, susceptible or highly susceptible to in vitro colonization of rehydrated, mature, stored, undamaged seed by Aspergillus flavus (IVSCAF) were tested for natural seed infection by A. flavus and other fungi in two or more replicated field trials at ICRISAT Center, Patancheru, India, in 1979–1984. Undamaged pods were sampled before maturity, at optimum maturity (normal harvest) and when over - mature (late harvest) and seed examined for infection by A. flavus and other fungi. In the 1983 and 1984 rainy and 1983/84 postrainy seasons, only four genotypes (one resistant and three susceptible) were tested, and seed were also tested for aflatoxin content. In all seasons the genotypes reported as IVSCAF - resistant had significantly lower levels of seed infection with A. flavus and other fungi than did genotypes reported as IVSCAF - susceptible. Cenotypic differences in levels of seed infection by A. flavus were consistent over seasons. The resistant cultivar J11 had a significantly lower aflatoxin content than the other three IVSCAF - susceptible genotypes tested in the 1983–1984 seasons. Drought stress in the 1984 season apparently increased susceptibility to seed infection by A. flavus and other fungi, and to aflatoxin contamination, in all cultivars. Seed infection by A. flavus and other fungi, and aflatoxin contamination increased with increasing maturity of pods, indicating the importance of lifting the peanut crop at optimum maturity.

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Prevalence of Aflatoxin Contamination in Maize and Groundnut in Ghana: Population Structure, Distribution, and Toxigenicity of the Causal Agents

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis-05-17-0749-re ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 102 (4) ◽

pp. 764-772 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

D. Agbetiameh ◽

A. Ortega-Beltran ◽

R. T. Awuah ◽

J. Atehnkeng ◽

P. J. Cotty ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Population Structure ◽

Open Access ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Economic Burden ◽

Management Strategies ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Agroecological Zones ◽

First Time ◽

Open Access Article ◽

Aspergillus Section

Aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut is perennial in Ghana with substantial health and economic burden on the population. The present study examined for the first time the prevalence of aflatoxin contamination in maize and groundnut in major producing regions across three agroecological zones (AEZs) in Ghana. Furthermore, the distribution and aflatoxin-producing potential of Aspergillus species associated with both crops were studied. Out of 509 samples (326 of maize and 183 of groundnut), 35% had detectable levels of aflatoxins. Over 15% of maize and 11% of groundnut samples exceeded the aflatoxin threshold limits set by the Ghana Standards Authority of 15 and 20 ppb, respectively. Mycoflora analyses revealed various species and morphotypes within the Aspergillus section Flavi. A total of 5,083 isolates were recovered from both crops. The L morphotype of Aspergillus flavus dominated communities with 93.3% of the population, followed by Aspergillus spp. with S morphotype (6%), A. tamarii (0.4%), and A. parasiticus (0.3%). Within the L morphotype, the proportion of toxigenic members was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of atoxigenic members across AEZs. Observed and potential aflatoxin concentrations indicate that on-field aflatoxin management strategies need to be implemented throughout Ghana. The recovered atoxigenic L morphotype fungi are genetic resources that can be employed as biocontrol agents to limit aflatoxin contamination of maize and groundnut in Ghana. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .

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Fungal Biodeterioration, Aflatoxin Contamination, and Nutrient Value of “Suya Spices”

Scientifica ◽

10.1155/2016/4602036 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 2016 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Segun Gbolagade Jonathan ◽

Mary Adejoke Adeniyi ◽

Michael Dare Asemoloye

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Niger ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Aspergillus Parasiticus ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Aspergillus Ochraceus ◽

Rhizopus Stolonifer ◽

Aflatoxin Content ◽

Trichoderma Koningii ◽

Nutrient Value ◽

Aflatoxin B

This work aimed to analyze the nutrient values, examine the biodeteriorating fungi biota, and analyze the mycotoxin contents of “Suya spices.” Fungi with highest percentage occurrence on all the samples areAspergillus niger,Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus parasiticus,Aspergillus ochraceus,Fusariumsp.,Rhizopus stolonifer, yeast, andTrichoderma koningii. Nutrient composition of the samples is significantly different statistically (P<0.05) with high protein (9.53% to 13.17%), fiber (9.27 to 13.17%), carbohydrate (46.27% to 50.90%), and ash (8.47% to 9.70%) contents but low moisture (9.03% to 9.47%) and fat (9.77% to 13.53%) contents. Aflatoxin analysis of the samples revealed that they all contain aflatoxin in varying amount but no detectible aflatoxin content in the control. 59.54% of the detected aflatoxin is aflatoxin B1with highest recorded in Agbowo, Mokola, and Sango samples (i.e., 28.03, 22.44, and 13.8 μg/kg, resp.). 4.78% of the aflatoxin is aflatoxin B2which is only found in Sango and Mokola samples (3.59 and 2.6 μg/kg, resp.). 32.76% of aflatoxin is aflatoxin G1with the highest found in Agbowo and Mokola samples (i.e., 18.63 and 10.41 μg/kg, resp.). 2.93% of the aflatoxin is aflatoxin G2which is only detected in Sango and Agbowo samples (i.e., 1.19 and 2.65 μg/kg, resp.).

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Revisiting an Aspergillus flavus Strain Isolated from an Egyptian Sugarcane Field in 1930

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms8111633 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (11) ◽

pp. 1633

Author(s):

Mohamed F. Abdallah ◽

Kris Audenaert ◽

Sarah De Saeger ◽

Jos Houbraken

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Short Communication ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Type B ◽

Prevention Strategies ◽

Sugarcane Field ◽

Host Pathogen Interaction ◽

Sugarcane Crop ◽

Insight Into ◽

Shed Light

The aflatoxin type B and G producer Aspergillus novoparasiticus was described in 2012 and was firstly reported from sputum, hospital air (Brazil), and soil (Colombia). Later, several survey studies reported the occurrence of this species in different foods and other agricultural commodities from several countries worldwide. This short communication reports on an old fungal strain (CBS 108.30), isolated from Pseudococcus sacchari (grey sugarcane mealybug) from an Egyptian sugarcane field in (or before) 1930. This strain was initially identified as Aspergillus flavus; however, using the latest taxonomy schemes, the strain is, in fact, A. novoparasiticus. These data and previous reports indicate that A. novoparasiticus is strongly associated with sugarcane, and pre-harvest biocontrol approaches with non-toxigenic A. novoparasiticus strains are likely to be more successful than those using non-toxigenic A. flavus strains. Further studies on the association between A. novoparasiticus and Pseudococcus sacchari might shed light on the distribution (and aflatoxin contamination) of this species in sugarcane. Additionally, the interaction between A. novoparasiticus, Pseudococcus sacchari, and sugarcane crop under different scenarios of climate change will be critical in order to get more insight into the host–pathogen interaction and host resistance and propose appropriate prevention strategies to decrease mycotoxin contamination and crop loss due to A. novoparasiticus attack.

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A Novel Niosome-Encapsulated Essential Oil Formulation to Prevent Aspergillus flavus Growth and Aflatoxin Contamination of Maize Grains During Storage

Toxins ◽

10.3390/toxins11110646 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (11) ◽

pp. 646 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

García-Díaz ◽

Patiño ◽

Vázquez ◽

Gil-Serna

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Fungal Growth ◽

Storage Conditions ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Small Scale ◽

Low Concentrations ◽

Oil Formulation ◽

Scale Test ◽

Encapsulation Method

Aflatoxin (AF) contamination of maize is a major concern for food safety. The use of chemical fungicides is controversial, and it is necessary to develop new effective methods to control Aspergillus flavus growth and, therefore, to avoid the presence of AFs in grains. In this work, we tested in vitro the effect of six essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic plants. We selected those from Satureja montana and Origanum virens because they show high levels of antifungal and antitoxigenic activity at low concentrations against A. flavus. EOs are highly volatile compounds and we have developed a new niosome-based encapsulation method to extend their shelf life and activity. These new formulations have been successfully applied to reduce fungal growth and AF accumulation in maize grains in a small-scale test, as well as placing the maize into polypropylene woven bags to simulate common storage conditions. In this latter case, the antifungal properties lasted up to 75 days after the first application.

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Modelling the colonisation of maize by toxigenic and non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus strains: implications for biological control

World Mycotoxin Journal ◽

10.3920/wmj2008.x036 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

pp. 333-340 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

H. Abbas ◽

R. Zablotowicz ◽

H. Bruns

Keyword(s):

Biological Control ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Growth Parameters ◽

Biological Control Agent ◽

Cyclopiazonic Acid ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Tween 20 ◽

Lag Phase ◽

Gompertz Equation ◽

Aflatoxin Accumulation

To successfully exploit biological control it is desirable to understand how the introduced agent colonises the host and interferes with establishment of the pest. This study assessed field colonisation of maize by Aspergillus flavus strains as biological control agents to reduce aflatoxin contamination. Maize (corn, Zea mays L.) ears were inoculated with A. flavus using a pin-bar technique in 2004 and 2005. Non-aflatoxigenic strains K49 (NRRL 30797) & CT3 (NRRL 30798) and toxigenic F3W4 (NRRL 30798) were compared against a carrier control (0.2% aqueous Tween 20). Ten ears were sampled over 12 to 20 days, visually assessed, and curves fit to a three compartment Gompertz equation or other best appropriate regressions. Aflatoxin was determined by HPLC and cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) by LC/MS. The Gompertz model describes growth parameters, e.g. growth constant, lag phase and maximum colonisation characterised patterns of maize colonisation for most inoculated treatments. Aflatoxin accumulation in maize inoculated with F3W4 was about 35,000 ng/g in 2004 and 2005, with kinetics of aflatoxin accumulation in 2005 well described by the Gompertz equation. Less than 200 ng/g was observed in maize inoculated with strains CT3 & K49 and accumulation was described by a linear or logistic model. Maize inoculated with strains CT3 and F3W4 accumulated a maximum of 220 and 169 µg/kg CPA, respectively, compared to 22 and 0.2 µg/kg in the control and K49 inoculated, respectively. This technique can be used to elucidate colonisation potential of non-toxigenic A. flavus in maize in relation to biological control of aflatoxin. The greatest reduction of aflatoxin and CPA in maize inoculated with strain K49 and Gompertz parameters on colonisation indicates its superiority to CT3 as a biological control agent. The dynamics of maize colonisation by A. flavus strains and subsequent mycotoxin accumulation generated by using the pin-bar technique has implications for characterising the competence of biocontrol strains for reducing aflatoxin contamination.

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Evaluation of resistance to aflatoxin contamination in kernels of maize genotypes using a GFP-expressing Aspergillus flavus strain

World Mycotoxin Journal ◽

10.3920/wmj2012.1497 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 151-158 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

K. Rajasekaran ◽

C.M. Sickler ◽

R.L. Brown ◽

J.W. Cary ◽

D. Bhatnagar

Keyword(s):

Fungal Infection ◽

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Clear Correlation ◽

Aleurone Layer ◽

Screening Assay ◽

Maize Germplasm ◽

Antifungal Proteins ◽

Green Fluorescent

Resistance or susceptibility of maize inbreds to infection by Aspergillus flavus was evaluated by the kernel screening assay. A green fluorescent protein-expressing strain of A. flavus was used to measure fungal spread and aflatoxin levels in real-time following fungal infection of kernels. Among the four inbreds tested, MI82 showed the most resistance and Ga209 the least. TZAR101 was also resistant to fungal infection, whereas Va35 was susceptible to fungal infection. However, Va35 produced lower aflatoxin levels compared to the susceptible line Ga209. Fluorescence microscopy indicated that the site of entry of the fungus into the kernel was consistently through the pedicel. Entry through the pericarp was never observed in undamaged kernels. In view of these results, incorporation or overexpression of antifungal proteins should be targeted to the pedicel and basal endosperm region in developing kernels. Once the fungus has entered through the pedicel, it spreads quickly through the open spaces between the pericarp and the aleurone layer, ultimately colonising the endosperm and scutellum and, finally, the embryo. A clear correlation was established between fungal fluorescence and aflatoxin levels. This method provides a quick, reliable means of evaluating resistance to A. flavus in undamaged kernels and provides breeders with a rapid method to evaluate maize germplasm.

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In Vitro Activity of Balanites aegyptiaca and Tamarindus indica Fruit Extracts on Growth and Aflatoxigenicity of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus

Journal of Food Research ◽

10.5539/jfr.v2n4p68 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 68 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Saifeldin Ahmed El-nagerabi ◽

Abdulkadir E. Elshafie ◽

Mohamed R. Elamin

Keyword(s):

Aspergillus Flavus ◽

Fungal Growth ◽

Aflatoxin Contamination ◽

Tamarindus Indica ◽

Balanites Aegyptiaca ◽

Total Aflatoxin ◽

Animal Products ◽

Fruit Extracts ◽

Aflatoxin B

Aflatoxin and especially aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a carcinogenic secondary metabolite synthesized by certain Aspergillus species. They contaminate natural and processed agricultural and animal products which render them unfit for consumption. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of Balanites aegyptiaca and Tamarindus indica fruit extracts on the growth and aflatoxin secretion of Aspergillus flavus (SQU21) and A. parasiticus (CBS921.7) strains. The two fruit extracts significantly (P < 0.05) reduced aflatoxin and did not inhibit mycelial dry weights of the two Aspergillus strains. At different concentrations of balanites (2.5-10%), the inhibition of total aflatoxin was 49.9-84.8% for A. flavus (SQU21) and 32.1-84.4% for A. parasiticus (CBS921.7), whereas the inhibition of aflatoxin Bwas 38.2-81.4% and 32.8-80.6% for the two strains. Tamarind fruit extract (2.5-7.5%) caused 28.8-84.2% and 40.7-85.5% reductions in total aflatoxin and 37.1-83.5% and 33.9-85.9% in aflatoxin B for the two strains, respectively. None of these extracts inhibited the fungal growth or detoxified synthetic aflatoxin B1. We have concluded that these fruits contain various inhibitors to aflatoxin biosynthesis and secretion. Therefore, they can be used in combination as safe green biopreservatives to combat aflatoxin contamination of food.

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