UTA research unveils a math model to predict toxic crop fungi, potentially saving Texas farmers billions in losses.
UTA research unveils a math model to predict toxic crop fungi, potentially saving Texas farmers billions in losses.
New research from The University of Texas at Arlington and the U.S. Department of Agriculture demonstrates how mathematical modeling can predict outbreaks of toxic fungi in Texas corn crops—offering a potential lifeline to farmers facing billions in harvest losses.
“Our research focuses on predicting aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites, soil properties and meteorological data,” said coauthor Angela Avila, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics at UTA. “One of the key challenges is that contamination can be present with no visible signs of fungal infection. This makes early risk prediction especially important for allowing targeted prevention and mitigation strategies.”
Aflatoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain fungi in the mycotoxin family and are commonly found on crops such as corn (maize) and some nuts. They are carcinogenic and can pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Read more at University of Texas at Arlington
Image: “Our research focuses on predicting aflatoxin outbreaks in Texas using remote sensing satellites, soil properties and meteorological data,” said coauthor Angela Avila, a postdoctoral fellow in mathematics at UTA. “One of the key challenges is that contamination can be present with no visible signs of fungal infection. This makes early risk prediction especially important for allowing targeted prevention and mitigation strategies.” (Credit: UTA)
