Inheritance of kernel resistance to Fusarium graminearum in maize

• Published in: The Journal of heredity 1996-09, Vol.87 (5), p.382-385
• Main Authors: Chungu, C. (McGill University, Quebec, Canada.), Mather, D.E, Reid, L.M, Hamilton, R.I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AMANDE DE LA GRAINE; Botany; Corn; DISTRIBUCION GEOGRAFICA; DISTRIBUTION GEOGRAPHIQUE; ENFERMEDADES FUNGOSAS; Fungi; Fusarium graminearum; GENETICA; Genetics; GENETIQUE; GERMEN; GIBBERELLA ZEAE; HEREDITE; Heredity; HERENCIA GENETICA; MALADIE FONGIQUE; ONTARIO; QUEBEC; RESISTANCE AUX MALADIES; RESISTENCIA A LA ENFERMEDAD; VARIACION GENETICA; VARIATION GENETIQUE; ZEA MAYS
• ISSN: 0022-1503; 1465-7333; 1471-8505
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a023019

Inheritance of maize (Zea mays L.) kernel resistance to ear rot caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe was investigated in generations derived from a cross between resistant (CO325) and susceptible (CO265) maize inbred parents. Parents, F1, F2, and backcross generations were evaluated in two locations in eastern Canada in 1993 and 1994. Plants were inoculated with a macroconidial suspension using a kernel-stab method 15 days after silk emergence. Disease severity was assessed at harvest using a seven-class rating scale. Significant differences were observed among the generation means in all environments. In general, the F1 did not differ significantly from the resistant parent except at one location in 1993. The frequency distribution of the F2 and backcross generations showed continuous variation. Generation means analysis indicated that resistance to F. graminearum was under genetic control with both simple (additive and dominance) and digenic (dominance X dominance) effects contributing to the total genetic variation among the generation means. Weighted least square regression indicated that more than 68% of the genetic variation could be explained by additive effects. Estimates of the number of effective factors affecting kernel resistance ranged from 4.6 to 13.7