Over two weeks in September, the Platform for African-European Partnership in Agricultural Research for Development Phase (PAEPARD) will hold a pair of online debates with some 300 experts or actors which are implementing research and development activities related to aflatoxin.
The International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) have been invited to share their research needs related to the mitigation of aflatoxin contamination.
During the first week, 12-18 September, experts will discuss holistic approaches to aflatoxin control. Recent observations from icipe indicate significantly reduced attack of maize by ear rots and mycotoxins with push-pull technology, implying potential contribution of the technology to food safety.
The second week, 19-25 September, discussion will focus on research needs related to aflatoxin biocontrol. Aflasafe products created by IITA are ready to be manufactured and distributed to farmers at scale, but more research is needed on aflatoxin biocontrol using atoxigenic genotypes of Aspergillus flavus.
PAEPARD created videos to introduce the background of the research needs
The first is an interview with Prof. Dr. Zeyaur R. Khan, Principal Scientist and Leader of the Push-Pull Programme at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)
The second is an interview with Dr. Charity Mutegi. She is the Aflasafe project’s Kenya Country Coordinator.
This discussion will be held here and you must register to join the debate.