Project from DSTI Agent Based Modeling Class
This model can also be accessed at Modeling Commons (http://modelingcommons.org/browse/one_model/7169#model_tabs_browse_info)
Aspergillus flavus is a toxigenic fungus that can infect grains before and after harvest in hot and humid areas, producing a potent carcinogen know as aflatoxin. Using the ABM software NetLogo, we model the infection and growth of A. flavus in a peanut field over a growing season and the contamination of peanut kernels due to aflatoxins.
The deterministic variables and relationships of this model were inspired by the following papers. They can be further reviewed by those interested in improving the parameters of the model.
Abbas, HK, et al. 2009. Ecology of Aspergillus flavus, regulation of aflatoxin production, and management strategies to reduce aflatoxin contamination of corn. Toxin Reviews. 28 (2-3).
Abde-Hadi, A, et al. 2012. Journal Royal Society Interface.A systems approach to model the relationship between aflatoxin gene cluster expression, environmental factors, growth and toxin production by Aspergillus flavus. 9(69)
Dorner JW, et al. 1989. Interrelationship of kernel water activity, soil temperature, maturity, and phytoalexin production in preharvest aflatoxin contamination of drought-stressed peanuts. Mycopathologia. 105.
Horn, BW. 2006. Relationship between soil densities of Aspergillus species and colonization of wounded peanut seeds. Can J Microbiol.
Magan, N and Olsen M. 2004. Chapter 8: Environmental Conditions Affecting Mycotoxins. In: Mycotoxins in food: Detection and control. CRC Press.
Sanchis V., Magan N. 2004. Environmental conditions affecting mycotoxins. In Mycotoxins in food: detection and control, ch. 8 (eds Magan N., Olsen M.), pp. 174–189 Cambridge, UK: Woodhead Publishing Ltd
US Department of Agriculture. Web Soil Survey- Soil Health-Organic Matter- Summary by Map Unit-- Decatur County, Georgia. https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx. Accessed 12/28/2022.
Zablotowicz RM. 2007. Population ecology of Aspergillus flavus associated with Mississippi Delta soils. Food Additives and Contaminants. 24.