Inbred Selection for Increased Resistance to Kernel Contamination with Fumonisins

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Mycology

Background:

• Maize kernels are susceptible to fumonisin-producing fungi like *Fusarium verticillioides*, posing risks to food and feed safety.
• Maize breeding is a key strategy to reduce fumonisin contamination, with Fusarium ear rot (FER) serving as a strong indicator trait.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a pedigree selection program aimed at developing maize inbred lines (EPFUM) resistant to fumonisin contamination.
• To assess if EPFUM inbreds and their derived hybrids offer improved resistance to FER and fumonisin compared to parental lines and commercial hybrids, while maintaining competitive grain yields.

Main Methods:

• A pedigree selection program was implemented to develop EPFUM inbred lines with enhanced resistance to fumonisin contamination.
• Evaluated EPFUM inbreds, their parental lines, and various hybrids (including EPFUM-derived and commercial) for resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination, alongside grain yield.

Main Results:

• Second-cycle EPFUM inbreds did not significantly enhance resistance over their parental lines.
• EPFUM-derived hybrids exhibited significantly greater resistance to FER and fumonisin contamination compared to commercial hybrids.
• European flint germplasm shows promise for resistance alleles; new Reid × Lancaster hybrids combine high resistance with competitive yields.

Conclusions:

• While direct improvement in EPFUM inbreds was modest, hybrids derived from this program offer substantial gains in resistance to fumonisin contamination.
• EPFUM hybrids present a viable alternative to commercial hybrids, particularly the white flint hybrid EPFUM-4 × EP116, which offers market advantages.
• Breeding efforts targeting FER resistance are effective in developing maize with reduced fumonisin contamination, with European flint and Reid × Lancaster backgrounds being promising sources.