Relative aggressiveness of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus on maize in Mississippi.

Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus were equally aggressive for colonization of field-grown maize (Zea mays) kernels after inoculation of ears. The incidence of infection was higher after pinbar inoculation than after needle inoculation. Uninoculated cobs that overseasoned in the field during 1986-1987, 1987-1988, or 1988-1989 contained predominantly A. flavus. Moreover, sclerotia of A. flavus, but not of A. parasiticus, were found in the pith tissues of the cobs. Thus, A. flavus appears to have a greater capacity for survival in maize cob debris than does A. parasiticus (...)