ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

Activity D2.1: Isolate atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus from soils and develop protocols for
multiplication
Milestone: D2.1.1: Survey of groundnut farms in Kenya and Malawi completed by 2007
Survey of groundnut farms: A survey of major peanut growing areas of Malawi and Kenya was carried out in
2005. A total of 162 (84 from Malawi and 82 from Kenya) soil samples were obtained for laboratory isolation and
screening of A. flavus isolates for aflatoxin production. During this survey, a pod rot complex with obvious
symptoms of Sclerotium rolfsii was identified as a major constraint to peanut production in both countries. Disease
was most severe in fields around Karonga and Salima (eastern plains next to Lake Malawi) in Malawi and in Busia
and Siaya districts in Kenya. Severity exceeded 35% of all pods in some fields in Karonga area while a field
incidence >25% was recorded in one field in Busia district. Of the farmers interviewed, 59% and 65% in Malawi
and Kenya, respectively, were not aware of ‘mold’ damage or aflatoxin problems of peanuts. A protocol for soil
isolation and quantification of Aspergillus spp. section Flavi was developed and tested in Nairobi. Screening of
isolates of A. flavus for aflatoxin production was completed and at least six atoxigenic strains identified.
RB Jones
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