ABSTRACT
Storage diseases caused by microorganisms are characterized by a sufficient loss in quality to reduce end use or grade of seeds. Generally, storage diseases are controlled by manipulation of the environment. Lessening of mold-induced losses by the utilization of better germplasm may be sought primarily in two ways. The first and most apparent is to seek seed resistance to one or more of the following: mold infection, colonization, and sporulation. Employment of antagonistic microorganisms to inhibit significant storage fungi is seriously complicated by marketing and quality requirements. Grain and its products are purchased, in part, on the appearance of wholesomeness, soundness, freedom from odors, and signs and symptoms of microbial growth. For these reasons, ensiled fermented grain is only used for feed on the farm. Several different fungi inhibit the production of aflatoxin in stored grain including nonaflatoxigenic strains of A. flavus, but their own growth is likely to be undesirable and may not always be reliable or predictable.
