This presentation will help consultants, growers, and other practitioners in the southern United States and, to some extent, in the midwestern U.S. Corn Belt learn about approaches they can use to reduce aflatoxin contamination of corn, using current research data to emphasize points. By way of introduction, the presentation will outline some of the factors leading to aflatoxin contamination of corn, as well as a discussion of the variability of contamination. The presentation will then cover the main approaches to managing aflatoxin: the use of atoxigenic strains, host resistance, and cultural practices during the growing season, in addition to recommendations for harvest and post-harvest management. With this background, growers and others can make aflatoxin management decisions appropriate for their own farms.
