Charles P. Woloshuk

Charles P. Woloshuk is a professor of Botany and Plant Pathology at Purdue University. His area of expertise is Corn/Mycotoxin Pathology, specifically, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology of mycotoxin biosynthesis.

Research and Extension

He says of his research and extension work:

"The long range goals of my research program are to investigate the biosynthesis of various mycotoxins and to develop novel approaches for eliminating the risk of mycotoxin contamination of food sources. Research on the molecular biology of mycotoxin biosynthesis will reveal vulnerable points in the pathways that can be targets for control. Potential approaches include: the identification of chemicals that specifically inhibit mycotoxin biosynthesis; the genetic engineering of plants that express inhibitors of mycotoxin biosynthesis; and the production of biocontrol agents that produce inhibitors of mycotoxin biosynthesis. Another goal is to use these mycotoxin-producing fungi as model systems to advance the current understanding of secondary metabolism in fungi.

"My extension responsibility is mycotoxins associated with grain production. Mycotoxins are a concern in both corn and wheat crops prior to harvest and during storage. The objective of my extension effort is to inform and educate the grain producers, handlers, and processors about mycotoxins. Surveying fields for disease and mycotoxins is a major component of his program, because diseases prior to harvest are the primary source of mycotoxins. From these surveys, I inform those in the grain industry of the potential mycotoxins present at harvest. The information is distributed through extension newsletters, workshops and telephone conversations. This information is used by the grain industry for deciding how grain should be handled. My extension program addresses molds and mycotoxin problems that occur in storage because of insect feeding or poor grain management. I also have a hands-on workshop on the use of mycotoxin test kits."

Publications

• Suanthie, Y., Cousin, M. A., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2009). Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Detection and Quantification of Mycotoxigenic Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. Journal of Stored Product Research, 45, 139-145.
• Bluhm, B. H., Kim, H., Butchko, R. A. E., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2008). Involvement of ZFR1 of Fusarium verticillioides in kernel colonization and the regulation of FST1, a putative sugar transporter gene required for fumonisin biosynthesis on maize kernels. Molecular Plant Pathology, 9(2), 203–211.
• Yigezu, Y., Alexander, C., Preckel, P. V., Maier, D. E., Woloshuk, C. P., Mason, L. J., Lawrence, J., & Moog, D. (2008). Optimal management of molds in stored corn. Agricultural Systems, 98, 220-227.
• Kim, H., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2008). Role of AREA, a regulator of nitrogen metabolism, during colonization of maize kernels and fumonisin biosynthesis in Fusarium verticillioides. Fungal Genetics and Biology, 45, 947-953.
• Kim, Y. H., Woloshuk, C. P., Cho, E. H., Bao, J. M., Song, Y. S., & Huh, G. H. (2007). Cloning and functional expression of the gene encoding an inhibitor against Aspergillus flavus a-amylase, a novel seed lectin from Lablab purpureau (Dolichos lablab). Plant Cell Reports, 26, 395-405.
• Tsai, W. T., Mason, L. J., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2007). Effect of three stored-grain fungi on the development of Typhaea stercorea. Journal Stored Product Research, 43, 129-133.
• Ileleji, K. E., Maier, D. E., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2007). Evalulation of different temperature management strategies for suppression of Sitophilus zeamais. Journal Stored Product Research, 43, 480-488.
• Smith, C. A., Woloshuk, C. P., Robertson, D., & Payne, G. A. (2007). Silencing of the aflatoxin gene cluster in a diploid strain of Aspergillus flavus is suppressed by ectopic aflR expression. Genetics, 176, 2077-2086.
• Ileleji, K. E., Maier, D. E., Bhat, C., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2006). Detection of a developing hot spot in stored corn with a CO2 sensor. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 22, 275-289.
• Bluhm, B. H., & Woloshuk, C. P. (2005). Amylopectin induces fumonisin B1 production by fusarium verticillioides during colonization of maize kernels. Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions, 12, 1333-1339.

Resources and articles

Related Sourcewatch articles

• Huber Letter