NCGA, CPAT Sponsor Aflatoxin Conference in Texas (10-17-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) members and staff are participating in the 19th Annual Multi-Crop Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop in Fort Worth, Texas, this week to discuss ways to fight aflatoxin infestation.

The conference—sponsored by the Corn Producers Association of Texas (CPAT) and NCGA—brings university and U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists, growers and industry together to talk about current aflatoxin research initiatives. Aflatoxin is produced by the Aspergillus family of molds and can impact corn, cotton, peanuts, and various tree nuts. Aflatoxin in corn is most often associated with drought stress.

“The attendance is good, and the interaction among the scientists, industry representatives and attendees has been excellent,” said Scott Averhoff, a Texas producer and chairman of NCGA’s Mycotoxin Task Force. “It’s clear there has been a good exchange of information.”

Averhoff and NCGA Director of Biotechnology Paul Bertels were selected as session moderators. Averhoff led the session, “Fumonisin Elimination/Fungal Genomics, Regulation of Aflatoxin Biosynthesis” on Monday. Bertels will chair the discussion, “Crop Reistance—Conventional Breeding” on Wednesday.

Other session topics include crop management and handling and microbial ecology.

Conference participants also toured the Ft. Worth Grain Exchange to get a first-hand look at how the grain industry tests for aflatoxin and how testing works as a link between the grower and the end users, whether they feeders or millers.

Averhoff said the other commodity groups have experienced some success in combating aflatoxin.

“Although corn hasn’t seen much progress in controlling aflatoxin, some other commodities have,” Averhoff said. “We would love to see the issue resolved completely in all crops. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the research efforts of those in attendance at the conference.”

This meeting also hosts 6th Annual Fungal Genomics and 7th Annual Multi-Crop Fumonisin Workshops. The meeting is also sponsored by the North American Millers’ Association, the National Grain and Feed Association, the Corn Refiners Association, Pioneer, a DuPont Company, and Monsanto.