Molecular Characterization and Management of Aspergillus flavus Link Ex Fries in Groundnut

Molecular Characterization and Management of Aspergillus flavus Link Ex Fries in Groundnut

Thirty one isolates collected from different parts of major groundnut growing areas of Karnataka and one from ICRISAT were identified as Aspergillus flavus by molecular technique using species specific primers. Later a field experiment was conducted at two locations under artificial inoculation and natural infection conditions for the pre-harvest management of A. flavus incidence and thereby aflatoxin. The results indicated that all the treatments are effective in reducing the A. flavus incidence and there by aflatoxin level in the produce. Among all the treatments, T-7 was most effective under both the situations. Under artificial inoculation conditions T-7 recorded minimum incidence of A. flavus (1.00 per cent) and aflatoxin content (2.40 µg/kg) with higher benefit to cost ratio (2.86 ) as compared to control (25.90%, 19.90 µg/kg). In natural conditions also T-7 recorded lowest A. flavus incidence (1.40 per cent) and aflatoxin content (0.0 µg/kg) with highest benefit to cost ratio (2.77). Among all the treatments, T-5 (foliar spray with neem oil @ 5 ml/l) was the least effective under both the conditions. The integrated approach was found best under both the situations...