Research Project: Genetics of Disease Resistance and Food Quality Traits in Corn

Location: Plant Science Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Manipulating the plant mycobiome to enhance resilience: Ecological and evolutionary opportunities and challenges - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Hawkes, C., Allen, X., Balint Kurti, P.J., Cowger, C. 2023. Manipulating the plant mycobiome to enhance resilience: Ecological and evolutionary opportunities and challenges. PLoS Pathogens. 19(12):e1011816. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011816.

Identification of loci conferring resistance to four foliar diseases of maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Qiu, Y., Adhikari, P., Balint Kurti, P.J., Jamann, T. 2023. Identification of loci conferring resistance to four foliar diseases of maize. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 2023:jkad275. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkad275.

Qmatey: An automated pipeline for fast exact matching-based alignment and strain-level taxonomic binning and profiling of metagenomes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Adams, A., Kristy, B., Gorman, M., Balint Kurti, P.J., Yencho, G., Olukolu, B. 2023. Qmatey: An automated pipeline for fast exact matching-based alignment and strain-level taxonomic binning and profiling of metagenomes. Briefings in Bioinformatics. 24(6):1-11. https://doi.org/10.1093/bib/bbad351.

Characterization of integration sites and transfer DNA structures in Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic events of maize inbred B104 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Neelakandan, A.K., Kabahuma, M., Yang, Q., Lopez, M.D., Wisser, R., Balint Kurti, P.J., Lauter, N.C. 2023. Characterization of integration sites and transfer DNA structures in Agrobacterium-mediated transgenic events of maize inbred B104. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 13(10):jkad166. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkad166.

2020-2021 Field seasons of maize G x E project within maize genomes to fields initiative - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Enhancing adaptation of tropical maize to temperate environments using genomic selection - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Choquette, N., Weldekidan, T., Brewer, J.C., Davis, S., Wisser, R., Holland, J.B. 2023. Enhancing adaptation of tropical maize to temperate environments using genomic selection. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 13(9):jkad141. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkad141.

2018-2019 field seasons of the maize genomes to fields (G2F) G x E project - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lima, D., Castro Aviles, A., Alpers, T., Mcfarlan, B., Kaeppler, S., Ertl, D., Romay, C., Gage, J., Holland, J.B., Beissinger, T., Bohn, M., Buckler, E., Edwards, J., Flint-Garcia, S., Hirsch, C., Hood, E., Hooker, D., Knoll, J., Kolkman, J., Liu, S., Mckay, J., Minyo, R., Moreta, D.E., Murray, S., Nelson, R., Schnable, J., Sekhon, R., Singh, M., Thomison, P., Thompson, A., Tuinstra, M., Wallace, J., Washburn, J.D., Weldekidan, T., Wisser, R., Xu, W. 2023. 2018-2019 field seasons of the maize genomes to fields (G2F) G x E project. BMC Genomic Data. 24:29. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12863-023-01129-2.

Genetics of maize microbe interactions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Balint Kurti, P.J., Wang, G. 2023. Genetics of maize microbe interactions. Molecular Plant Pathology. 24(7):671-674. https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13348.

Exploring the relationship between pattern-triggered immunity and quantitative resistance to Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mullens, A., Lipka, A.E., Balint Kurti, P.J., Jamann, T. 2023. Exploring the relationship between pattern-triggered immunity and quantitative resistance to Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum in maize. Phytopathology. 113(11):2127-2133. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-22-0357-SA.

Hybrid spatial-temporal Mueller matrix imaging spectropolarimeter for high throughput plant phenotyping - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kudenov, M., Krafft, D., Scarboro, C., Doherty, C., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2023. Hybrid spatial-temporal Mueller matrix imaging spectropolarimeter for high throughput plant phenotyping. Applied Optics. 62:2078-2091. https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.483870.

Characterization of a host-specific toxic activity produced by Bipolaris cookei, causal agent of Target Leaf Spot of Sorghum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Samira, R., Lopez, L.F., Holland, J.B., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2023. Characterization of a host-specific toxic activity produced by Bipolaris cookei, causal agent of Target Leaf Spot of Sorghum. Phytopathology. 113(7):1301-1306. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-11-22-0427-R.

Environment-specific selection alters flowering-time plasticity and results in pervasive pleiotropic responses in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Choquette, N.E., Holland, J.B., Weldekidan, T., Drouault, J., De Leon, N., Flint Garcia, S.A., Lauter, N.C., Murray, S., Xu, W., Wisser, R. 2023. Environment-specific selection alters flowering-time plasticity and results in pervasive pleiotropic responses in maize. New Phytologist. 238(2):737-749. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18769.

A leucine rich repeat receptor-like kinase gene confers susceptibility to southern leaf blight of maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chen, C., Zhao, Y., Tabor, G., Nian, H., Phillips, J., Wolters, P., Yang, Q., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2023. A leucine rich repeat receptor-like kinase gene confers susceptibility to southern leaf blight of maize. New Phytologist. 238:1182-1197. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18781.

Multistatic fiber-based system for measuring the Mueller matrix bidirectional reflectance distribution function - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Scarboro, C.G., Doherty, C.J., Balint Kurti, P.J., Kudenov, M.W. 2022. Multistatic fiber-based system for measuring the Mueller matrix bidirectional reflectance distribution function. Applied Optics. 61(33):9832-9842. https://doi.org/10.1364/AO.470608.

Genomic prediction for the germplasm enhancement of maize project - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rogers, A., Bian, Y., Krakowsky, M.D., Peters, D.W., Turnbull, C., Nelson, P., Holland, J.B. 2022. Genomic prediction for the germplasm enhancement of maize project. The Plant Genome. 15:4. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20267.

Genome-wide association study for morphological traits and resistance to Peryonella pinodes in the USDA pea single-plant plus collection - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Martins, L., Balint Kurti, P.J., Reberg-Horton, C. 2022. Genome-wide association study for morphological traits and resistance to Peryonella pinodes in the USDA pea single-plant plus collection. Genes, Genomes, and Genomics. 12(9):jkac168. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkac168.

Empirical comparison of genomic and phenotypic selection for resistance to Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Butoto, E., Brewer, J.C., Holland, J.B. 2022. Empirical comparison of genomic and phenotypic selection for resistance to Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-022-04150-8.

Close encounters in the corn field - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Balint Kurti, P.J., Kim, S. 2022. Close encounters in the corn field. Molecular Plant. 15:802-804. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molp.2022.02.008.

Environment-specific genomic prediction ability in maize using environmental covariates depends on environmental similarity to training data - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rogers, A., Holland, J.B. 2021. Environment-specific genomic prediction ability in maize using environmental covariates depends on environmental similarity to training data. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1093/g3journal/jkab440.

Domestication reshaped the genetic basis of inbreeding depression in a maize landrace compared to its wild relative, teosinte - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Samayoa, L., Olukolu, B.A., Yang, C.J., Chen, Q., Stetter, M.G., York, A.M., Sanchez-Gonzalez, J., Glaubitz, J.C., Bradbury, P., Cinta Romay, M., Sun, Q., Yang, J., Ross-Ibarra, J., Buckler IV, E.S., Doebley, J.F., Holland, J.B. 2021. Domestication reshaped the genetic basis of inbreeding depression in a maize landrace compared to its wild relative, teosinte. PLoS Genetics. 2:1009797. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14750790.

Multi-omics analyses reveal the regulatory network and the function of ZmUGTs in maize defense response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ge, C., Wang, Y., Lu, S., Zhao, X., Hou, B., Balint Kurti, P.J., Wang, G. 2021. Multi-omics analyses reveal the regulatory network and the function of ZmUGTs in maize defense response. Frontiers in Plant Science. 12:738261. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.738261.

Drought resilience in CIMMYT maize lines adapted to Africa resulting from transpiration sensitivity to vapor pressure deficit and soil drying - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chiango, H., Jafarikouhini, N., Pradhan, D., Figueriedo, A., Silva, J., Sinclair, T.R., Holland, J.B. 2021. Drought resilience in CIMMYT maize lines adapted to Africa resulting from transpiration sensitivity to vapor pressure deficit and soil drying. Euphytica. 3:301-315. https://doi.org/10.1080/15427528.2021.1961334.

Microbe-dependent heterosis in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Effects of artificial inoculation on trait correlations with resistance to Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Butoto, E., Marino, T., Holland, J.B. 2021. Effects of artificial inoculation on trait correlations with resistance to Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize. Crop Science. 61:2522-2533. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20551.

The maize ZmMIEL1 E3-Ligase and ZmMYB83 transcription factor proteins interact and regulate the hypersensitive defense response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Karre, S., Kim, S., Samira, R., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2021. The maize ZmMIEL1 E3-Ligase and ZmMYB83 transcription factor proteins interact and regulate the hypersensitive defense response. Molecular Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13057.

Analysis of the transcriptomic, metabolomic, and gene regulatory responses to Puccinia sorghi in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kim, S., Karre, S., Choi, H., Christensen, S.A., Wang, G., Jo, Y., Cho, W., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2021. Analysis of the transcriptomic, metabolomic, and gene regulatory responses to Puccinia sorghi in maize. Molecular Plant Pathology. https://doi.org/10.1111/mpp.13040.

Development and use of a seedling growth retardation assay to quantify and map loci underlying variation in the maize basal defense response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wang, Y., Holland, J.B., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2021. Development and use of a seedling growth retardation assay to quantify and map loci underlying variation in the maize basal defense response. Phytofrontiers. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-12-20-0038-R.

Maize plants chimeric for an autoactive resistance gene display a cell autonomous hypersensitive response but non-cell autonomous defense signaling - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Karre, S., Kim, B., Kim, S., Dilkes, B., Johal, G., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2021. Maize plants chimeric for an autoactive resistance gene display a cell autonomous hypersensitive response but non-cell autonomous defense signaling. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-04-20-0091-R.

A CRISPR/dCas9 toolkit for functional analysis of maize genes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Gentzel, I.N., Park, C., Bellizzi, M., Xiao, G., Gadhave, K.R., Murphree, C., Yang, Q., Lamantia, J., Redinbaugh, M.G., Balint Kurti, P.J., Sit, T.L., Wang, G. 2021. A CRISPR/dCas9 toolkit for functional analysis of maize genes. Plant Methods. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13007-020-00675-5.

Maize metacaspases modulate the defense response mediated by the NLR protein Rp1-D21 likely by affecting its subcellular localization - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Luan, Q., Zhu, Y., Sun, Y., Liu, X., Balint Kurti, P.J., Liu, M., Wang, G. 2020. Maize metacaspases modulate the defense response mediated by the NLR protein Rp1-D21 likely by affecting its subcellular localization. Plant Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.15047.

Genome-wide association analysis of the strength of the MAMP-elicited defense response and resistance to target leaf spot in sorghum - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Samira, R., Kimball, J.A., Samayoa-Lopez, L.F., Holland, J.B., Jamann, T.M., Brown, P.J., Stacey, G., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2020. Genome-wide association analysis of the strength of the MAMP-elicited defense response and resistance to target leaf spot in sorghum. Scientific Reports. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77684-w.

What are the top 10 unanswered questions in molecular plant-microbe interactions - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Harris, J.M., Balint Kurti, P.J., Bede, J., Gold, S.E., Goss, E., Grenville-Briggs, L., Jones, K., Wang, A., Wang, Y., Mitra, R., Sohn, K., Alvarez, M. 2020. What are the top 10 unanswered questions in molecular plant-microbe interactions. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. 33(12):1354–1365. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-08-20-0229-CR.

Association mapping and genomic prediction for ear rot disease caused by Fusarium verticillioides in a tropical maize germplasm - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kuki, M., Pinto, R.B., Bertagna, F.B., Tessmann, D., Teixeira Do Amaral, A.J., Scapim, C., Holland, J.B. 2020. Association mapping and genomic prediction for ear rot disease caused by Fusarium verticillioides in a tropical maize germplasm. Crop Science. 60:2867-2881.

Use of virus-induced gene silencing to characterize genes involved in modulating hypersensitive cell death in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Murphree, C., Kim, S., Karre, S., Samira, R., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2020. Use of virus-induced gene silencing to characterize genes involved in modulating hypersensitive cell death in maize. Molecular Plant Pathology. 21:1662–1676.

Heterosis of leaf and rhizosphere microbiomes in field-grown maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagner, M.R., Roberts, J.H., Balint Kurti, P.J., Holland, J.B. 2020. Heterosis of leaf and rhizosphere microbiomes in field-grown maize. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16730.

Multiple insertions of COIN, a novel maize Foldback transposable element, in the Conring gene cause a spontaneous progressive cell death phenotype - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kim, S., Karre, S., Wu, Q., Park, M., Meyers, E., Claeys, H., Wisser, R., Jackson, D., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2020. Multiple insertions of COIN, a novel maize Foldback transposable element, in the Conring gene cause a spontaneous progressive cell death phenotype. Plant Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14945.

The genetic architecture of the maize progenitor, teosinte, and how it was altered during maize domestication - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Chen, Q., Samayoa, L., Yang, C.J., Bradbury, P., Olukolu, B., Neumeyer, M.A., Tomay, M., Sun, Q., Lorant, A., Buckler IV, E.S., Ross-Ibarra, J., Holland, J.B., Doebley, J.F. 2020. The genetic architecture of the maize progenitor, teosinte, and how it was altered during maize domestication. PLoS Genetics. 16(5):e1008791.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of a large, diverse population of maize near-isogenic lines - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Morales, L., Repka, A.C., Swarts, K.L., Stafstrom, W.C., He, Y., Sermons, S.M., Yang, Q., Lopez-Zuniga, L.O., Rucker, E., Thomason, W.E., Nelson, R.J., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2020. Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of a large, diverse population of maize near-isogenic lines. Plant Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.14787.

Genetic variation for response to mixed triazole and strobilurin application in diverse maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Woore, M., Holland, J.B. 2020. Genetic variation for response to mixed triazole and strobilurin application in diverse maize. Agrosystems, Geosciences & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20054.

Genetic and physiological characterization of a Calcium deficiency phenotype in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wang, Y., Martins, L., Sermons, S.M., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2020. Genetic and physiological characterization of a Calcium deficiency phenotype in maize. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1534/g3.120.401069.

Genomic prediction for resistance to fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Holland, J.B., Marino, T.P., Manching, H.C., Wisser, R.J. 2020. Genomic prediction for resistance to fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination in maize. Crop Science. 60:1863-1875.

Fine-tuning immunity: Players and regulators for plant NLRs - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sun, Y., Zhu, Y., Balint Kurti, P.J., Wang, G. 2020. Fine-tuning immunity: Players and regulators for plant NLRs. Trends in Plant Science. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tplants.2020.02.008.

A genome-wide association study to understand the effect of Fusarium verticillioides infection on seedlings of a maize diversity panel - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Stagnati, L., Rahjoo, V., Samayoa, L.F., Holland, J.B., Busconi, M., Lanubile, A., Marocco, A. 2020. A genome-wide association study to understand the effect of Fusarium verticillioides infection on seedlings of a maize diversity panel. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 10:1685-1696.

Analysis of leaf microbiome composition of near-isogenic maize lines differing in broad-spectrum disease resistance - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Wagner, M., Busby, P., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. Analysis of leaf microbiome composition of near-isogenic maize lines differing in broad-spectrum disease resistance. New Phytologist. 225:2152-2165.

Identification of QTL for target leaf spot resistance in Sorghum bicolor and investigation of relationships between disease resistance and variation in the MAMP response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kimball, J., Cui, Y., Chen, D., Brown, P., Rooney, W., Stacey, G., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. Identification of QTL for target leaf spot resistance in Sorghum bicolor and investigation of relationships between disease resistance and variation in the MAMP response. Scientific Reports. 9:1-9.

Quantifying MAMP-induced production of reactive oxygen species in sorghum and maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Samira, R., Zhang, X., Kimball, J., Cui, Y., Stacey, G., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. Quantifying MAMP-induced production of reactive oxygen species in sorghum and maize. Bio-protocol. https://doi.org/10.21769/BioProtoc.3304.

Validation of multiple disease resistance QTL from chromosome segment substitution population in F2:3 family populations - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Martin, L., Rucker, E., Thomason, W., Holland, J.B., Wisser, R., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. Validation of multiple disease resistance QTL from chromosome segment substitution population in F2:3 family populations. G3, Genes/Genomes/Genetics. 9:2905-2912.

Dominant, heritable resistance to Stewart’s wilt in maize is associated with an enhanced vascular defense response to infection with P. stewartii - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Doblas-Ibanez, P., Deng, K., Vasquez, M., Giese, L., Cobine, P., Kolkman, J., King, H., Jamann, T., Balint Kurti, P.J., De La Fuente, L., Nelson, R., Mackey, D., Smith, L. 2019. Dominant, heritable resistance to Stewart’s wilt in maize is associated with an enhanced vascular defense response to infection with P. stewartii. Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions. 32:1581-1597.

A maize polygalacturonase functions as a suppressor of the hypersensitive response and programmed cell death in maize - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
He, Y., Christensen, S.A., Karre, S., Johal, G., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. A maize polygalacturonase functions as a suppressor of the hypersensitive response and programmed cell death in maize. Biomed Central (BMC) Plant Biology. 19:310.

The plant hypersensitive response; concepts, control and consequences - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. The plant hypersensitive response; concepts, control and consequences. Molecular Plant Pathology. 20:1163-1178.

Genome-wide association study of popping expansion in tropical popcorn and field corn germplasm - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Camargo Senhorinho, H.J., Dacal Coan, M.M., Marino, T.P., Kuki, M.C., Barth Pinto, R.J., Scapim, C.A., Holland, J.B. 2019. Genome-wide association study of popping expansion in tropical popcorn and field corn germplasm. Crop Science. 59:2007–2019.

The genetic architecture of teosinte catalyzed and constrained maize domestication - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Yang, C., Samayoa, L., Bradbury, P., Olukolu, B.A., Xue, W., York, A.M., Tuholski, M.R., Wang, W., Daskalska, L.L., Neumeyer, M.A., Sanchez-Gonzales, J., Romay, M.C., Glaubitz, J.C., Sun, Q., Buckler IV, E.S., Holland, J.B., Doebley, J.F. 2019. The genetic architecture of teosinte catalyzed and constrained maize domestication. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 116:5643-5652.

Diverse mechanisms of resistance to Fusarium verticillioides infection and fumonisin contamination in four maize recombinant inbred line families - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Morales, L., Zila, C.T., Moreta Mejia, D.E., Montoya Arbelaez, M., Balint Kurti, P.J., Holland, J.B., Nelson, R.J. 2019. Diverse mechanisms of resistance to Fusarium verticillioides infection and fumonisin contamination in four maize recombinant inbred line families. Toxins. 11:86.

A maize Cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit protein ZmQCR7controls variation in the hypersensitive response - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
He, Y., Kim, S., Balint Kurti, P.J. 2019. A maize Cytochrome b-c1 complex subunit protein ZmQCR7controls variation in the hypersensitive response. Planta. 249:1477-485.

Two steps on the path to maize adaptation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Holland, J.B. 2018. Two steps on the path to maize adaptation. Current Biology. 28(18):PR1098-R1101.

Dissecting symptomatology and fumonisin contamination produced by Fusarium verticillioides in maize ears - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Morales, L., Marino, T.P., Wenndt, A.J., Fouts, J.Q., Holland, J.B., Nelson, R.J. 2018. Dissecting symptomatology and fumonisin contamination produced by Fusarium verticillioides in maize ears. Phytopathology. 108:1475-1485.

Harnessing maize biodiversity - (Book / Chapter)
Samayoa, L.F., Dunne, J.C., Andres, R.J., Holland, J.B. 2018. Harnessing maize biodiversity. In: Bennetzen, J., S. Flint-Garcia, C. Hirsch, and R. Tuberosa (Eds.) The Maize Genome. Springer, Switzerland. Book Chapeter. pg. 335-366.