Scientists preparing bioplastic granules containing a strain of Aspergillus sp. fungi known as K49. These granules are part of a trial to reduce the impact of toxic species of the same genus of fungi. Some aspergillus fungi produce aflatoxins, which are harmful chemicals which can infest corn. Contamination with these toxins leads to around $200 million in crop loss each year in the USA. The species known as K49 do not produce these toxins, and tend to outcompete members of the same genus that do. By spreading degradable bioplastic pellets containing K49, scientists hope to reduce toxic Aspergillus populations, and thus reduce crop wastage.