Resistance of Maize Hybrids to <i>Fusarium graminearum,</i> <i>F. culmorum,</i> and <i>F. verticillioides</i> Ear Rots with Toothpick and Silk Channel Inoculation, as Well as Their Toxin Production

• Main Authors: Akos Mesterhazy, Eva Toldine Toth, Sandor Szel, Monika Varga, Beata Toth
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
• Series: Agronomy
• Subjects: toxin overproduction; phenotyping of resistance to ear rots; resistance types in ear rot; food safety risks in maize; inoculation methods; toxigenic species
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/10/9/1283

Testing <i>Fusarium</i> resistance to ear rots in maize requires a well-supported methodology and tests for toxin responses. In this study, commercial hybrids were tested for resistance to <i>Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum</i>, and <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> (kernel and silk channel), as well as their toxin response. One third of the hybrids tested showed a similar resistance or susceptibility to the three pathogens and their toxin response, but there is no proof for their genetic background being the same or different. The performance of the remaining hybrids was highly variable and supports the idea of different genetic regulation. The mean ear rot severity of the kernel resistance was doubled compared with the silk channel resistance data. The ear rot and toxin tests displayed significant positive correlations, verifying the decisive role of resistance in toxin regulation. Several hybrids, termed toxigenic hybrids, showed significant extra toxin production, indicating an additional food safety risk. The toothpick method gave more reliable results and a better differentiation of genotypes. The resistance to different <i>Fusarium</i> spp. in a specific growing region should be analyzed separately in independent resistance tests. Through this, the food safety risks could be better identified. Susceptible hybrids should not be used for commercial production.