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Cultivars Resistance Assay for Maize Late Wilt Disease
Ofir Degani1,2, Ran Yifa3, Asaf Gordani1,2
1Migal-Galilee Research Institute, Tarshish 2, Kiryat Shmona 1101600, Israel.
Biology
|December 23, 2022
Summary
Maize varieties can be reliably classified for Magnaporthiopsis maydis late wilt disease (LWD) resistance using rapid seedling assays for extreme cases. Intermediate resistance requires full-season evaluation for accurate LWD management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Agronomy
- Genetics
Background:
- Magnaporthiopsis maydis late wilt disease (LWD) is a severe threat to maize production in Israel, Egypt, and globally.
- Decades of research have yielded various control methods, but disease-resistant maize varieties remain crucial for impact reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify maize varieties based on their resistance to Magnaporthiopsis maydis late wilt disease (LWD).
- To evaluate the reliability of rapid laboratory seedling assays versus full-season field trials for LWD resistance assessment.
- To investigate the utility of molecular assays and aerial imaging in understanding LWD development and plant response.
Main Methods:
- A rapid six-day laboratory seedling pathogenicity test.
- A 101-day semi-field conditioned pots assay.
- Real-time molecular assay to track pathogen presence in plant tissues.
- Visible light aerial imaging for parallel assessment.
Main Results:
- Extreme LWD sensitivity or resistance in maize varieties showed consistent results across rapid and full-season assays.
- Intermediate LWD resistance levels exhibited discrepancies between rapid and full-season testing methods.
- Molecular tracking of Magnaporthiopsis maydis DNA provided precise data but did not always correlate with visible symptom severity.
Conclusions:
- Rapid seed assays can reliably estimate LWD resistance for highly susceptible or resistant maize varieties.
- Full-season growing trials are necessary for accurate assessment of intermediate LWD resistance.
- Quantifying pathogen DNA in asymptomatic plants aids in understanding LWD immunity and potential susceptibility.
