Abstract
The genomic study of filamentous fungi has made significant advances in recent years, and the genomes of several species in the genus Aspergillus have been sequenced, including Aspergillus flavus. This ubiquitous mold is present as a saprobe in a wide range of agricultural and natural habits, and can function as an opportunistic animal and plant pathogen. A. flavus produces many secondary metabolites including aflatoxins, aflatrem and cyclopiazonic acid. In this chapter, our main focus is on the current status of the genomics of A. flavus as well as on the potential applications of genomics-based approaches to understanding mycotoxin production and fungal pathogenicity. It is hoped that the results of A. flavus genomics and functional genomics studies will empower researchers to find effective controlling strategies to eliminate mycotoxin contamination and to yield a safer and more abundant food and feed supply.