Foreword: aflatoxins in maize and other crops

Scientists in ARS and worldwide have recognised for some time that aflatoxin contamination of agricultural commodities is a global problem which could benefit from a global approach to developing/implementing solutions.For over 25 years, research of the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Food and Feed Safety Research Unit and their partners from US Land Grant Universities have been at the forefront of every effort related to the elimination of this very serious food and feed safety issue, that of contamination of crops with aflatoxins.This includes the discovery of aflatoxin biosynthesis mechanisms, the elucidation of A. flavus taxonomy, physiology, genomics and evolution, the development of biocontrol strategies using atoxigenic aspergilli to reduce contamination, bioengineering of resistant cotton, development of a quick and simple aflatoxin-screening assay, proteomic and genomic discoveries of maize resistance mechanisms and potential breeding markers, breeding of aflatoxinresistant and insect-resistant maize lines, and involvement in international aflatoxin-elimination collaborations with scientists conducting related research in Europe, Africa and other regions of the world.Today, major breakthroughs in controlling aflatoxin contamination of maize and other crops are imminent.In recognition of this progress, USAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others are investing substantial resources in moving proven technologies into use in Africa and other regions where this toxin is prevalent, as well as seeking means to best apply their resources in research that will help solve this global problem.