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Title: EVALUATION OF MAIZE GERMPLASM FOR RESISTANCE TO MAIZE RAYADO FINO VIRUS

Author
item BUSTAMANTE, P - JOHN INNES CENTRE ENGLAND
item Hammond, Rosemarie
item RAMIREZ, PILAR - UNIV OF COSTA RICA CR

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/22/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) is of great agronomic importance as it contributes to reduced yield in corn in Latin America, with estimates of 40-50% and up to 100% yield losses. It is widespread in Latin America and has also been found in the southern part of the United States. No resistant germplasm has yet been reported for this virus and, significantly, US germplasm is highly susceptible. In this report, we describe the identification of two genotypes of maize obtained from CIMMYT (Center for Improvement of Maize and Wheat, Mexico) which show resistance to MRFV. These data will be useful to breeders involved in improving maize germplasm, to US companies having maize seed nurseries in Latin America, and to plant pathologists whose work includes germplasm improvement.

Technical Abstract: Maize rayado fino virus (MRFV) causes severe yield losses in maize (Zea mays L.) in Latin America. Yield reductions of 40-50% have been reported on indigenous genotypes, with losses reaching 100% in some newly developed cultivars. Twenty different maize genotypes were obtained from the Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT, Mexico), Estacion Experimental Fabio Baudrit (EEFB-Alajuela) and the Consejo Nacional de la Produccion (CNP-Costa Rica). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and slot-blot hybridization assays were developed together with a symptomatology scale to evaluate the responses of the maize genotypes to MRFV infection under screenhouse conditions. Two genotypes from the CIMMYT germ plasm collection (Accession nos. 2980-93 and 3974) appeared to be resistant to MRFV infection under the conditons tested. These genotypes showed mild and delayed symptoms and low MRFV concentrations (as determined by ELISA), however the levels of viral RNA did not correlate with the severity of the symptoms.