Influence of Endosperm Starch Composition on Maize Response to Fusarium temperatum Scaufl. & Munaut
Marcin Wit1, Piotr Ochodzki2, Roman Warzecha2
1Department of Plant Protection, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Nowoursynowska 159, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
Fusarium temperatum Scaufl. & Munaut is a newly described taxon belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) and a frequent causative factor of maize ear rot. The aim of the present study was to determine the responses to the disease in maize populations differing in endosperm features that were classified to flint, dent, and a group of plants with intermediate kernel characteristics. In inoculation studies, substantial variation of host response to the fungus was found among the tested maize types. The dent-type kernels contained significantly less amylose (28.27%) and exhibited significantly higher rates of infection (IFER = 2.10) and contamination by beauvericin (7.40 mg kg-1) than plants of the flint maize subpopulation. The study documents a significant positive correlation between the Fusarium ear rot intensity (IFER) and ergosterol content (the R value ranged from 0.396 in 2015 to 0.735 in 2018) and between IFER and the presence of beauvericin (the R value ranged from 0.364 in 2015 to 0.785 in 2017). The negative correlation between (IFER) and amylose content (ranging from R = -0.303 to R= -0.180) stresses the role of the endosperm starch composition in the kernel resistance to Fusarium ear rot. The conducted study indicated that the risk of kernel infection and contamination with fungal metabolites (beauvericin and ergosterol) was associated with the maize type kernels.
Insights
Maize kernel type influences susceptibility to Fusarium ear rot. Dent maize, with lower amylose, shows higher infection rates and mycotoxin contamination compared to flint maize.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Agricultural Science
- Mycotoxicology
Background:
- Fusarium temperatum is a significant pathogen causing maize ear rot.
- Maize kernel endosperm features (flint, dent, intermediate) may influence disease resistance.
- Understanding host-pathogen interactions is crucial for crop protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate maize population responses to Fusarium temperatum based on endosperm type.
- To investigate correlations between kernel characteristics, infection levels, and mycotoxin accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Inoculation studies with Fusarium temperatum on maize populations with varying endosperm features.
- Quantification of Fusarium ear rot intensity (IFER), amylose content, beauvericin, and ergosterol.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations between variables.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in host response observed among flint, dent, and intermediate maize types.
- Dent kernels showed higher infection rates (IFER = 2.10) and beauvericin contamination (7.40 mg kg-1) compared to flint.
- Positive correlations found between IFER and ergosterol/beauvericin; negative correlation between IFER and amylose content.
Conclusions:
- Endosperm starch composition, specifically amylose content, plays a role in maize kernel resistance to Fusarium ear rot.
- Maize type is associated with the risk of kernel infection and mycotoxin contamination by Fusarium temperatum.
- Flint maize exhibits greater resistance to Fusarium ear rot and associated mycotoxins than dent maize.
