Diallel analysis of aflatoxin accumulation in maize

Since its discovery in numerous feedstuffs, aflatoxin, a carcinogenic compound produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries, has caused much concern among consumers and producers alike. This toxin poses a serious economic threat to maize (Zea mays L.) producers of the southeastern and midwestern regions of the United States. Efforts to identify maize germplasm that is resistant to aflatoxin accumulation and to investigate the genetic basis of this resistance have been undertaken at numerous research institutions. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate aflatoxin accumulation in grain harvested from maize inbred lines and a diallel cross among these lines, (2) determine the importance of general and specific combining abilities in inheritance of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation, and (3) estimate general and specific combining ability effects associated with resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in the inbred lines and crosses among them. Eight inbred lines and a diallel cross of the maize lines were inoculated with an A. flavus spore suspension 12–14 d after silk emergence. Following harvest, aflatoxin content was determined from samples of grain. Statistical analyses performed using SAS general linear models (GLM) and DIALLEL-SAS indicated that general and specific combining ability were significant sources of variation in the inheritance of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation. The inbred line Mp313E, which was developed and released as a source of resistance to aflatoxin contamination, had significantly lower aflatoxin accumulation than other lines. Mo18W exhibited excellent general combining ability for reduced aflatoxin accumulation when crossed with the other lines. Both Mp313E and Mo18W could be useful in breeding programs to develop aflatoxin-resistant maize hybrids. Mp339, SC212M, and Ab24E demonstrated aflatoxin susceptibility as both inbreds and in single crosses.