Aflatoxin Biocontrol Using Native Atoxigenic Aspergillus

at the preharvest stage. Atoxigenic-based biocontrol was first developed and registered in the United States. Thereafter, the technology was adapted and registered in several African countries using native atoxigenic fungi. Subsequently, Italy, Pakistan, and Serbia developed products containing native atoxigenic isolates. Other countries are developing their own native, atoxigenic-based biocontrol products, and a few have evaluated products originally developed for use elsewhere. Native, widely distributed, competitive isolates belonging to atoxigenic vegetative compatibility groups are preferred for their greater chances of long-term establishment and high effectiveness, stronger in-country acceptance, and faster regulatory approval compared to exotic fungi. Across countries, farmer-led field trials and commercial usage have shown that treated crops contain significantly lower (usually >80% less) aflatoxin levels than untreated crops from neighboring fields. This article outlines pathways for sustainable development, testing, registration, and scaling of aflatoxin bioprotectants in several African countries to significantly contribute to improving food safety. Those long, arduous pathways rely on having multisectoral enabling environments, whose absence can stagnate the technology.