Evaluation of tropical maize inbred lines for resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot in Uganda

Abstract

Fusarium Ear rot (FER) caused by Fusarium verticilliodes is a worldwide threat to maize production causing both yield losses as well as producing a mycotoxin that is harmful to the safety of both human food and animal health. Although host resistance is the most suitable strategy for disease management, no resistant varieties have been identified, and the first step in introducing resistance into maize germplasm would be to find sources of genetic resistance. This study evaluated a genetically diverse collection of maize inbred lines as potential sources of resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot caused by Fusarium verticilliodes by artificial inoculation using the toothpick method in the field for two seasons. At harvest, the ears were scored and assessed for FER development. Twelve inbred lines were found to be moderately resistant. The inbred lines CKL150038, CKL150105, CKL150109, CKL150105, JPS25-11, JPS26-4, JPS25-40, JPS25-36, JPS25-14, JPS25-11, DL141392 and WL429-24 had consistently low disease severity across the two seasons. These lines could be potential sources of resistance in breeding programs against F. verticilliodes.

Keywords: Fusarium verticilliodes, host-plant resistance, mycotoxin, Zea mays