Life Sciences Commons^™

Introducing An Indigenous Non-Toxigenic Aspergillus Flavus Strain Isolated From Iraqi Corn Grains As A Bio-Control Agent To Reduce Aflatoxin Contamination In Corn Grains, Ali Almatakeez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Mycotoxin contamination of cereal crops, such as maize and sorghum, is a global concern because of the potential health effects on humans and animals. Although substantial research has been conducting regarding mycotoxin prevention and mitigation, little information is available about the association of mycotoxin-producing fungi with corn and sorghum grain in Iraq. Identifying and refining indigenous atoxigenic strains to reduce mycotoxin contamination of maize and sorghum has the potential to enhance the nutritional value of these grains while reducing economic losses. However, to our knowledge, this tactic has not yet been adopted by agricultural authorities and farmers in Iraq. To …