AFLATOXIN REDUCTION IN MAIZE

Evaluation covers the period 10/77 to 3/80 and is based on an onsite review by an AID/W team. This project, implemented by the University of Missouri (UOM), has had more problems than successes. However, this is not a reflection on the competency of the principal investigator and his colleagues. Instead, these problems are the result of the complex nature of the project in combination with UOM"s requirement that all laboratory work with aflatoxin (which is a very potent carcinogen) be conducted in a containment chamber. The P-3 containment chamber was not completed until the later part of 1979, thus delaying aflatoxin analysis of inoculated maize ears from the 1978-79 growing season. Construction of the chamber also prevented the researchers from learning much earlier in the project that their inoculation technique was too severe to detect resistance. New innoculation techniques are now being introduced. In addition to the above factors, the receipt of samples from a number of LDC cooperators was slow. In some instances, the requested samples did not arrive at all. However, the principal investigator has now established a closer relationship with the International Center for Corn and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT), which should greatly facilitate acquisition of samples. As related above, this project demonstrated that traditional methods of determining resistance to plant pathogens are not suitable to aflatoxin research. New, more sophisticated techniques must be developed. With regard to any future projects which might pose a danger to workers, the evaluators recommend that efforts be made to identify and implement safety measures before the project actually begins. Because aflatoxin is only one of many toxins produced by the fungi, collectively called mycotoxins, it is suggested that A.I.D. expand the scope of work in future projects to include several such toxins. Also, research should be conducted on other aflatoxin-producing crops, such as ground nuts. A special evaluation is attached (PD-AAG-658-C1).