ARS | Publication request: Virus Resistance

Submitted to: Maize Handbook
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: November 28, 2007
Publication Date: December 20, 2008
Citation: Redinbaugh, M.G., Pratt, R.C. 2008. Virus Resistance. In: Hake S., Bennetzed J., Editors. Maize Handbook. 2nd edition. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag. p. 255-270.

Interpretive Summary: This book chapter reviews the currently available information on screening for virus resistance in maize. The numbers and locations of genes and quantitative trait loci for virus resistance and their use in breeding programs are discussed. Alternatives to naturally occurring virus resistance for disease control and potential mechanisms associated with virus resistance in maize are summarized. This is a chapter for the new edition of the Maize Handbook. The first edition of the handbook served as a valuable resource for all researchers with interest in maize. The new edition is quite comprehensive, and so should also be a resource for scientists. This chapter on Virus Resistance will serve as a resource on what is known about viral diseases for maize researchers, especially breeders and geneticists.

Technical Abstract: Identification, characterization and deployment of virus resistant maize are complex tasks requiring multidisciplinary approaches. Insect transmission of viruses in nature and the potential presence of biologically distinct virus strains complicate screening for virus resistance. At least ten maize-infecting viruses cause damage worldwide, and naturally occurring resistance to each of these viruses has been identified in maize. Genes and quantitative trait loci for resistance to most of these viruses have been mapped in the maize genome, and regions on chromosomes 1, 3, 6 and 10 have been implicated in resistance to multiple phylogenetically unrelated viruses. Mechanisms associated with virus resistance and alternatives to naturally occurring virus resistance are discussed.