Grain that exceeds this level cannot be used for human or animal consumption. Food and Drug Administration regulations prohibit the sale of corn or any other grain that contains more than 20 parts per billion of aflatoxin. In the United States, annual loss estimates range up to more than $200 million for corn and $500 million for corn, peanuts, and other crops combined. Estimates of economic losses due to aflatoxin contamination vary. Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are using helpful Aspergillus species to prevent harmful ones from contaminating crops like corn.Īflatoxin is a chronic problem in the southern United States, says plant pathologist Hamed Abbas, with ARS’s Biological Control of Pests Research Unit in Stoneville, Mississippi. They have been known to cause acute and chronic liver injury and liver cancer.īut not all Aspergillus fungi produce aflatoxins some strains are considered beneficial. Aflatoxins can contaminate corn, peanuts, cotton, and other crops, and at high doses they threaten the health of people, pets, fish, livestock, and other animals. (Stephen Ausmus, D1899-1)Ī new sprayable bioplastic-made of cornstarch and other natural ingredients-offers potential as an effective method for delivering beneficial microbes to fight aflatoxins and other agricultural pathogens and pests.Īflatoxins are highly toxic substances produced by many species of Aspergillus fungi. In Stoneville, Mississippi, plant pathologist Hamed Abbas (red shirt) and his field crew prepare to spray corn with a new aflatoxin-control formulation.
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