With the growing season underway, the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council (ACRPC) is urging farmers to take action against aflatoxin contamination by applying AF36, a biological solution backed by over 25 years of research and field success that reduces risks in crops, feed, and food production.
ACRPC is launching a nationwide campaign highlighting AF36’s success and urgency during the critical pre-harvest period to further extend the reach of this vital information.
ACRPC Director Mark Killian, former head of the Arizona Department of Agriculture, emphasized the significance of AF36 in protecting Arizona’s food supply and economy. “Aflatoxin contamination is a serious issue that affects not just individual farms but the entire supply chain,” said Killian. “AF36 is not just a solution, it’s a necessity for farmers looking to protect their crops, their herds, and their livelihoods”
Crops most susceptible to aflatoxin include cotton, corn, figs, and tree nuts such as almonds and pistachios.
Aflatoxin contamination is a persistent issue for growers and dairy producers, as it can severely impact feed quality, milk safety, and overall food supply integrity. Aflatoxin is a major concern for corn silage production, especially in hot, dry regions where contamination levels often exceed regulatory limits. Recent USDA research confirms that field-applied biocontrol strains, including AF36, effectively displace aflatoxin-producing fungi from soil to harvest and beyond, significantly reducing contamination risk in dairy feed. The study found that treated fields maintained aflatoxin levels below 10 ppb, reinforcing AF36’s value in long-term, area-wide aflatoxin management.
Pistachio growers in Arizona—the nation’s second-largest producer—are particularly vulnerable during peak fungal growth periods between June and August. AF36 functions by introducing a non-toxic strain of Aspergillus flavus that naturally outcompetes harmful aflatoxin-producing fungi, reducing contamination levels in soil and crops.
To learn more about AF36, contact the Arizona Cotton Research and Protection Council at 602-438-0059 or visit https://cotton.az.gov/af36-program.