Ecology of aflatoxin producing fungi and biocontrol of aflatoxin contamination.

Aflatoxins, highly toxic and carcinogenic compounds that frequently contaminate foods and feeds, are produced by several genera in the genusAspergillus. Aspergillus flavus, the most common species causing crop contamination, is a common inhabitant of the Sonoran desert of North America where it resides in complex communities composed of diverse individuals. This diversity reflects divergent adaptation to various ecological niches. SomeA. flavus isolates that are well adapted to plant associated niches do not produce aflatoxins yet have the capacity to competitively exclude aflatoxin producers. These atoxigenic strains can serve as biological control agents for management of aflatoxins in crops. Detailed knowledge of the ecology of aflatoxin-producing fungi may lead to novel practical methods for limiting contamination.