ARS | Publication request: MOLECULAR GENETIC ANALYSIS OF RESISTANCE MECHANISMS TO AFLATOXIN FORMATION IN CORN AND PEANUT.

Submitted to: Aflatoxin Elimination Workshop Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 15, 2002
Publication Date: December 1, 2002
Citation: Guo, B., Widstrom, N.W., Holbrook, Jr., C.C., Lee, R.D., Lynch, R.E. 2002. Molecular genetic analysis of resistance mechanisms to aflatoxin formation in corn and peanut [abstract]. Mycopathologia. 155:78.

Technical Abstract: Our research goal is to study and identify factors associated with resistance to aflatoxin contamination in corn and peanut and to identify genes/markers associated with the resistance to drought stress and insects in order to develop strategies for control of preharvest aflatoxin contamination. Field and laboratory screening assays have been conducted to oevaluate corn and peanut lines/cultivars (genotypes) for resistance/ susceptibility to aflatoxin formation. Marked differences in aflatoxin production were detected among the tested genotypes. Molecular techniques have yielded some interesting information in understanding the molecular mechanisms related to drought-stress and drought tolerance associated with resistance. We also identified a novel gene in peanut encoding a major enzyme associated with drought tolerance. Further studies of these drought-stress related genes in corn and peanut are needed to gain a better runderstanding of their function and relationship with drought-tolerance an preharvest aflatoxin contamination.