Advances in mycotoxin-resistant maize varieties

Publication date: 31/07/2016
Extent: 14 pages

Contributions by: Marilyn L. Warburton and W. Paul Williams, USDA-ARS Corn Host Plant Research Resistance Unit, USA

Chapter synopsis: Depending on the growing environment, maize grains can be infected by one or more ear rot fungi, which may decrease grain yield and quality. Many of them also produce secondary metabolites, known as mycotoxins, which can have serious detrimental effects on humans and animals that consume the infected grain. There are several potential remedial actions that can be taken to prevent the accumulation of mycotoxins in maize grain. In this case study, Aspergillus flavus resistant maize breeding lines were created. It is concluded that of all mycotoxin prevention or mitigation strategies, the use of host plant resistance and the release of stably resistant varieties is the easiest to transfer to the farmer’s fields and is the most economical control measure for all markets.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2016.0001.09