Microgametophytic selection for identifying maize with resistance to Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin

ABSTRACTAflatoxin B1, produced by Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and A. parasiticus Speare on maize (Zea mays L.), is a potent carcinogen that is linked to liver cancer in animals and humans. Normally, genetic materials are field-inoculated and evaluated by conducting aflatoxin assays in the laboratory to develop host resistance (sporophytic selection). These procedures are costly and time-consuming and limit the amount of genetic material that can be evaluated. Microgametophytic selection (pollen selection) in maize has not been explored for screening genetic material for resistance to Aspergillus spp. and aflatoxin. The objective of this investigation was to examine in vitro pollen germination in the presence of A. flavus and A. parasiticus conidia, and aflatoxin B1 in the F2 generation of a cross between Mp313E (resistant inbred) and SC212M (susceptible inbred). A. flavus conidia significantly inhibited pollen grain germination in comparison with the control and the other two treatments. A. parasitic...