Sclerotium Production by Aspergillus flavus on Corn Kernels

Abstract

Sclerotia of Aspergillus flavus were produced during the moist chamber incubation of kernels from corn that was either naturally infested in the field or artificially inoculated in a plant growth room. Initial inspection of the kernels used in these experiments revealed no sclerotia. Sclerotia of A. flavus formed on autoclaved inoculated kernels that were incubated (21 da, 25 C) on sterile washed sand, sterilized (autoclaved) soil, or non-sterile garden soil. Treatments incorporating exposure to light or incubation on non-sterile soil resulted in a reduction in the numbers of sclerotia produced. Because A. flavus-infested kernels commonly reach the soil surface in the form of downed ears or through spillage at harvest, sclerotia may represent an important source of A. flavus inoculum in field soils where corn is grown.