VIEW ARTICLE

A Systems Analysis Approach to Establishing Research Objectives for Control of Aflatoxin Production in Cotton Seed. H. H. Ramey, Jr., Research Geneticist, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916; Phytopathology 64:1451-1454. Accepted for publication 11 June 1974. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-64-1451.

A system which defines parameters affecting aflatoxin production in cottonseed before harvest is set forth. Switching points in the system are identified. Factors contributing to aflatoxin production or no aflatoxin production are enumerated. This analysis can help investigators identify potential areas for fruitful research. In this system, major areas are shown to be (i) determination of the quantity and origin of Aspergillus flavus Link inoculum in the field; (ii) study of the environmental conditions leading to A. flavus infection of cotton bolls; (iii) analysis of the regulatory mechanisms governing the production of secondary metabolites; and (iv) development of additional information on genetic variability in A. flavus strains.