Sources of resistance to aflatoxin production in maize

Drought-tolerant maize genotypes (Huffman, Z08-004, Tuxpan, PH 9, NRC 5348, Chunco, Saint Croix, and Arizona) were compared in the field and laboratory to toxin-resistant GT-MAS:gk and Yellow Creole. SDS-PAGE, scanning electron microscopy of kernel cuticle, amount of kernel wax, Aspergillus flavus kernel colonization, Aspergillus ear rot, insect damage, aflatoxin production, and their relationships were examined. SDS-PAGE showed the presence of a 14 kDa trypsin inhibitor in the kernels of all genotypes except Chunco, which contains a protein of a larger molecular weight. The 14 kDa trypsin inhibitor protein content in these genotypes was higher than in GT-MAS:gk and Yellow Creole. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Arizona, Huffman, and Chunco genotypes had abundant wax deposits on kernel surfaces and the amount of pericarp wax was equal to or above that from GT-MAS:gk and Yellow Creole. Differences in Aspergillus ear rot ratings, fungal colonization, and insect damage by corn earworm were observed in all drought-tolerant maize genotypes as well as in the controls. Kernel screening assays showed that aflatoxin B(1) levels in inoculated drought-tolerant genotypes differed significantly from those in GT-MAS:gk and Yellow Creole (LSD = 576). Aflatoxin B(1) levels in the inoculated genotypes differed significantly from those of GT-MAS:gk or Yellow Creole (LSD = 1389) when grown under drought stress conditions. Pearson correlation coefficients were significant between ear rot ratings and insect damage (r = 0.75; P = 0.01) and between Aspergillus ear rot and aflatoxin levels (r = 0.54; P = 0.05). On the basis of the parameters studied, there are indications that these genotypes were potential sources of A. flavus resistance.