Precise Identification and Analysis of Maize Germplasm Resistance to Ear Rot Caused by Six Fusarium Species

TL;DR

This study identifies maize germplasm resistant to multiple Fusarium-caused ear rot diseases, providing a resource for breeding more resistant crops.

Contribution

The study evaluates resistance to six Fusarium species in maize germplasm, a more comprehensive approach than previous work.

Findings

69 lines showed resistance to six Fusarium-caused ear rot diseases.

139 lines were resistant to both Fusarium ear rot and Gibberella ear rot.

PH4CV was the most resistant heterotic group, while NSS and Pioneer Female were the least.

Abstract

Maize (Zea may L.) is one of the most important crops worldwide, but ear rot poses a significant threat to its production. Diverse pathogens cause ear rot in China, with Fusarium spp. being predominant, especially Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium verticillioides. Current methods for the control of ear rot are limited, making the use of resistant germplasm resources an effective and economical management strategy. Earlier research focused on resistance to Fusarium ear rot (FER; caused by F. verticillioides) and Gibberella ear rot (GER; caused by F. graminearum), but assessing maize resistance to multiple major Fusarium spp. is critical in ensuring maize production. Thus, the resistance of 343 maize germplasm resources to ear rot caused by six Fusarium spp. (F. verticillioides, F. graminearum, F. proliferatum, F. meridionale, F. subglutinans, and F. temperatum) was evaluated in this study. Over three years, 69 and 77 lines resistant to six and five ear rot diseases, respectively, and 139 lines resistant to both FER and GER were identified. Moreover, the 343 germplasm resources were divided into eight heterotic groups, of which PH4CV was the most resistant one, whereas NSS and Pioneer Female were the least resistant ones. These findings provide a basis for the development of maize cultivars with broad-spectrum ear rot resistance.

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