2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify, and quantify aflatoxin-producing fungi on corn, using a non-destructive hyperspectral imaging system. Produce spectral libraries for fungus alone and in infected corn. Determine spectral differences between different corn varieties, resistant and susceptible to aflatoxin contamination and infected and un-infected with aflatoxin producing fungi. Develop rapid, non-destructive hyperspectral imaging methodology to measure fungal growth and aflatoxin in corn kernels and spectral signatures associated with traits for resistance to fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination in corn kernels. Test system's effectiveness in laboratory and field situations. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Corn kernel varieties with varying levels of resistance to mycotoxin producing fungi will be collected and imaged using a tabletop hyperspectral scanning imaging system. Kernels will be spectrally analyzed to determine how much the spectra in UV, visible, and near infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum differs from one corn variety to another. Cultures of mycotoxin producing (those of the most concern to the industry) and non-producing fungi will also be imaged and the spectral fingerprints will be collected to produce a "spectral library" of the different fungi. These data will be used to determine if hyperspectral imaging can then be used to differentiate and quantitate the varying fungal strains and/or their mycotoxin production both in pure fungal culture and in fungally infected kernels from corn varieties either resistant or susceptible to mycotoxin contamination. Techniques also will be investigated during ongoing experiments to determine the best imaging environment in which to accomplish hyperspectral analyses, such as type and direction of lighting. Once appropriate algorithms are developed, the system will be tested in various laboratory and field experiments to determine the efficacy of the system. Test system's effectiveness in laboratory and field situations. 3.Progress Report This report serves to document initial research conducted under a Specific Cooperative Agreement between the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and the Institute for Technology Development (ITD), Stennis Space Center, Mississippi. Additional details of research can be found in the report for the in-house project 6435-42000-019-00D, "Identification and Enhancement of Seed-Based Biochemical Resistance in Crops to Aflatoxin Producing Pathogens." Mycotoxin detection procedures are time consuming, destructive, and costly. Therefore, the goal of the present project is to use non-invasive hyperspectral imaging techniques to detect and quantify mycotoxins produced by various molds on grains. A fluorescence hyperspectral imaging system was developed and used to study fluorescence hyperspectral properties of healthy and contaminated corn kernels. The contaminated corn kernels were prepared by inoculating corncobs in a Georgia field with A. flavus spores. After imaging, each corn kernel was examined for aflatoxin concentration using single kernel chemical analysis. Fluorescence image data in the range from 400 nm to 600 nm was analyzed. The results indicate fluorescence hyperspectral imaging has potential for the detection of aflatoxin contaminated corns. Statistical analysis is on-going to find the relationship between fluorescence hyperspectral response and aflatoxin concentration. An aflatoxin detection algorithm (sequence of steps for determining the best wavelength(s) to use for detection) is also under development using significant wavelengths identified in the analysis. The algorithm is expected to be used in the prototype fluorescence multi-spectral imaging system, currently under development, in a field test. The fluorescence multi-spectral imaging system will have the ability to tune to specific key wavelengths for aflatoxin detection and will be suitable for rapid detection and easy deployment. The system will be tested in scaled-up experiments where groups of corn kernels will be examined simultaneously for the detection of aflatoxin. The ADODR communicates with ITD cooperators on research plans on a regular basis at SRRC and also visits ITD headquarters at Stennis Space Center, MS, annually for planning purposes. Reports are issued to the ADODR as requested. IMPACT: Ability to identify and quantify mold on corn, as well as classify mycotoxins, using this novel, non-invasive detection method, will impact the grain industry by introducing a faster and more cost effective way of determining mycotoxin contamination. The ability to rapidly detect A. flavus/aflatoxin contaminated corn kernels can also be used in agriculture or in homeland security applications to exclude these contaminated materials from the food stream.