Long-lasting biocontrol products empower Africans in the fight against aflatoxins

Food safety and security threats from aflatoxins have hampered the health and livelihoods of many African consumers and farmers, frequently affecting staples such as maize, groundnut, and sorghum. These harmful toxins are produced by a fungus called Aspergillus flavus and can cause liver cancer, suppress the immune system, and stunt children’s growth. They also make it harder for farmers to sell their crops in global markets, where strict limits are placed on aflatoxin levels.

But scientists have developed an innovative way to fight back, using non-toxic strains of the same fungus to protect crops from dangerous aflatoxin-producing strains. In African countries, biocontrol products under the tradename Aflasafe have been developed by IITA–CGIAR, USDA-ARS, and national partners. Aflasafe products contain safe versions of A. flavus that are applied to crops in the field, outcompeting their toxic cousins and reducing aflatoxin levels by as much as 100%.

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