Advances in mycotoxin-resistant maize varieties

Marilyn Warburton, W. Paul Williams

• Publisher: Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing
• Year: 2016
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• eBook ISBN:
  9781838791063
• Subtopic: Agriculture
• Index: Technology & Engineering

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.

Table of contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Key challenges in developing new varieties
• 3 Techniques for developing new varieties
• 4 Case study: creating Aspergillus flavus resistant maize breeding lines
• 5 Summary
• 6 Future trends
• 7 Where to look for further information
• 8 References