A comprehensive two-day hands-on training was organized for thirty research students of Departments of Biotechnology of Ziauddin University (ZU), Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology University (SZABIST), Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences & Technology (FUUAST), University of Karachi (UoK) and Jinnah University for Women (JUW) Karachi at FQSRI, PARC-SARC, Karachi from July 30 to 31, 2024.

Mr. Parwaiz Ahmed Baloch, Director FQSRI, PARC-SARC during inauguration session highlighted the occurrence and hazardous effects of aflatoxin on agricultural productivity, food safety, human and animal health. It was hoped that training would help to increase and improve the knowledgeand skills of the participants respectively’.

Dr. Najmus Sahar, SSO, FQSRI, PARC-SARC/Training Resource Person demonstratedthecurrent status of mycotoxins in food commodities all over the world. The key factors responsible for the aflatoxin contamination, the importance of biopesticides to overcome the hazardous impact of various food contaminants, and the way to mitigate aflatoxin contamination were briefed.

The occurrence of various atoxigenic strains being used as a native biocontrol agent worldwide, their usefulness and significance to outcompete the toxigenic strains, fungal DNA extraction, its amplification through Polymerase Chain Reaction,key characteristics of successful biocontrol agents, and their formulations were discussed.

The hands-on laboratory session was supervised by Dr. Najmus Sahar & Syeda Ailya Batool (Teaching Associate, Department of Biotechnology, University of Karachi). The students participated in sample preparation, inoculation (serial dilution, direct inoculation i.e., sterilized and non-sterilized), sterilization and operation of laminar air flow hood, preparation of different media, inoculum preservation, morphology and microscopy of different isolates and toxigenicity tests to differentiate among toxigenic and atoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus. The participants were highly satisfied and appreciated the opportunity to engage in practical experiences, which deepened their understanding of aflatoxin management.

During the vote of thanks, the Director of FQSRI thanked the participants, organizers, and Dr. Zakir Hussain Dahri, DG of PARC-SARC, for attending, organizing the training session, and providing support and guidance, respectively. Later, certificates were distributed among participants and organizers.