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.

https://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-19-0575-RE

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Alejandro Ortega-Beltranhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-3747-8094

Ranajit Bandyopadhyayhttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-2422-4298

https://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-19-0575-RE

Plant Production and Health

Aflatoxin; Agronomy; Disease Control; Maize; Plant Breeding; Plant Health; Plant Production

Aspergillus Flavus; Biological Control; Biopesticides; Aflatoxins; Maize; Groundnuts

Africa; West Africa

Senegal

Headquarters and Western Africa Hub

Plant Disease